Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120451410300.htm

Kerala

A unique friendship meet

Abdul Latheef Naha

Physically challenged persons share their experiences

OF SHARING: A gathering of the physically challenged at the District Collector’s bungalow in Malappuram on Wednesday, the World Disability Day.

MALAPPURAM: The District Collector’s bungalow here on Wednesday witnessed a unique gathering of people who conquered their weakness with sheer grit. The two-dozen persons in wheel-chairs and crutches will never forget the time they spent under the Kanikkonna tree.

They shared their experiences, told stories, recited poems, sang songs, lunched together and went home with the resolve to hold similar meetings again.

“The satisfaction this gathering has given us is beyond description,” said a beaming Mustafa Thorappa, who had made news by designing cars for the physically-challenged.

Many of them had carved unique niches of their own. The gathering arranged by the Seshi Charitable Society and Childline provided them a platform to meet and lay the foundation for a solid friendship. They exchanged pleasantries and phone numbers.

Jesfer Kottakunnu and C.P. Devika, two brilliant personalities of different age groups, inaugurated the programme in a unique manner. Jesfer drew with his mouth and Devika with her foot.

Jesfer, a victim of muscular dystrophy, is preparing himself to walk into international fame by becoming a member of the International Foot and Mouth Artists Association. Devika, a kindergarten child, uses her feet to do things. She writes, draws, drinks, combs her hair and does a lot more things with her right foot.

Most of the participants were victims of either spinal injury or polio. Their enthusiasm appeared infectious. They wanted more frequent gatherings, preferably in a place like Thunchanparambu, Tirur. “We should not wait for the next World Disability Day on December 3 to get together again,” said Jesfer.

K.P. Jamsheer, a television performer who suffers from brittle bone disease, entertained the gathering with his songs. He has produced two music albums, and become a familiar face to TV viewers.

They displayed the art works they did. Additional District Magistrate E. Surendran gave away trophies to those who had excelled in a Special Olympics held in Kochi.

P.V.S. Padikkal, poet and national award winning teacher, spoke. C.P. Aboobacker, Childline director, coordinated the meet.