Quotes
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
- Helen Keller
"We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust our sails!"
"Happiness is not an absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them!"
"Where there is love, there is Life!"
"When we forget about ourselves, we do things others will remember!"
"Many people are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges!"
"Life takes new interest when we invest in the lives of others!"
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination!"
"Replace positive thinking with Positive Doing!"
"When one door closes, God opens another!"
"Hope sees the visible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible!"
"Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, and working together is success!"
"Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up!"
"Almost all our unhappiness is the result of comparing ourselves to others!"
"I complained because I had no shoes till I saw a man with no feet!"
"If a child can not learn the way you teach, then teach him in a way he can learn!"
Profiles in Courage
Remember, you are Special
A well-known speaker off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked," who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said 'I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this?'
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked who still wants it ? Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, what if do this?' And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. Now who still wants it? Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are drooped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make, and the circumstances that come our ways. We feel as through we are worthless. But no matter what has happened, or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special don't ever forget it!
Against All Odds - Story of Divya Palat
Divya Palat, model-actress was diagnosed with a rare neurological illness- Acute Disseminated Encephalonyelitis (ADEM), an ailment that plays havoc with the body's nervous system. Not to be bogged down by the condition, with determination Divya re-learnt everything from moving limbs to walking and writing. Now, compering and conducting workshops to promote theater in India, Divya's advice is 'positive attitude'.
(Source: Against all odds - Education times)
Saga of Prasad Ghadi
Prasad, a teenager with a difference, is a son of Mr. Nagesh and Mrs. Sharayu Ghadi. The pictures that he paints not only reveal his artistic abilities but also a triumph of his indomitable spirit. Due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy he is a wheel chair user since childhood. But with extraordinary support from his parents, schools and classmates, he completed SSC with flying colours. Presently concentrating on learning music and concert singing in which he is equally good, Prasad is a shining example to follow.
We named him 'Prasad' -a gift from God. Indeed he is a 'special' gift to us. Prasad has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) since birth. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is one of the neuromuscular diseases. Muscles weaken and waste away (atrophy) due to degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord. The brain and the sensory nerves which help us to feel sensations such as touch, temperature, pain etc. are not affected and intelligence is normal.
Both my husband and myself took long time to recover once the diagnosis of SMA was told to us. We tried all -offered prayers, kept fasts, visited godmen but all in vain. Finally we realised, Prasad's will and our efforts are the only answers to his condition.
For an year Prasad went to Spastic Society School .When we came to know about SEC Day School - Agripada, we shifted him there since it was closer to our home -BMC Staff Quarters at Byculla. SEC is a special school for children with orthopaedic handicaps. Prasad studied in this school till 7th std. They had a school-bus for students so transport was not a problem. Still it was not so easy. Whenever we had to go out for checkups, therapy, outings it was difficult due to transport. When he was small we used to carry him, as he grew up we used stroller for few years then he started using the wheelchair. Prasad had to be carried in a cab which was sometimes difficult to come by if it was a short distance. Things were tough in all respects-physically, emotionally and monetarily, but we persisted with our efforts. Prasad was denied an admission in 9th std by many regular integrated schools so naturally, we were glad when he was admitted in the Bhausaheb Hire school not withstanding the distance and expense it incurred. The school even arranged his class to be on the ground floor for his convenience. Prasad with a provision of a writer completed 10th std with 86% and was among the toppers in the category of disabled students.
By attending both these schools Prasad had the best of both worlds. The SEC Day School trained and groomed Prasad from childhood.
They concentrated on what Prasad could do best. He was good at drawing .He sang well. Both these activities could be pursued being on the wheelchair. He was also good in studies. He was encouraged to write poetry .Prasad participated and won prizes in umpteen fancy-dress, drawing and singing competitions.
All the awards mean a lot to us but 'Balashri' award conferred by Rashtriya Bal Bhavan is a very special one, for Prasad was pitted against able children of his age and he outshone all of them on the sheer basis of his merit and talent. He went on to scale new heights. An exhibition of his paintings was arranged by Mrs. Neena Rege in the Nehru Art Gallery. He also bagged Kavin Care Mastery Award .Recently, a musical programme was held in Dubai wherein Prasad sang at a stretch for 3 hours. V R music Company is coming out with his music album shortly.
We had to make a conscious decision not to pursue higher education for Prasad even though he was good in academics. He himself decided to concentrate on drawing and singing which he is good at. Now, his daily routine includes listening to good music, selecting, learning and preparing songs and adding them to his repertoire. Besides he also religiously does his 'Riyaz' to increase his stamina and voice range. He is being trained at home for music by his Guruji - Shri. Pradip Joshi and for drawing by Shri. Digambar Chichkar.
At present, Prasad is recuperating from a surgery done to straighten his spine. SMA children have the tendency to develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine). This is due to weakness of the muscles supporting the bones of the spinal column and affect children who are wheelchair users. This surgery was necessary to improve his breathing function and facilitate sitting. In spite of discomfort and pain, he keeps himself fruitfully occupied by immersing himself in a creative process e.g. drawing a cover-page for this said book. He can not continue any activity for more than few minutes and needs to change the position. He has to take extra care to avoid infections, deformities and excess weight.
Prasad has learnt to take both the trials and triumphs in his stride. We as parents take every day as it comes and try to make the best of it. We have arranged our office timings in such a way that one of us is always at home with him. We do pursue our individual hobbies whenever the time permits, enjoy our occasional outings with Prasad and cherish the moments of happiness. Through media ,we could reach and motivate few youngsters with handicaps, which has been our added reward. We do not worry about the future but focus on the Present Struggle has become a way of life for all of us. At the same time, zest for life remains intact .
By - Mrs.Sharayu Nagesh Ghadi
Saket's Story: Looking at life squarely on the face
As there is so much talk of Tsunami I want to share with u the Tsunami that hit my life a year ago.
I was a carefree youngster like any other and having the best of both worlds, being the only child of my parents. Just before my preliminary examinations of 10th std., my daddy happened to notice a small lump in my neck while playing with me. As my examinations were approaching, he did not want to take any chances and took me for a check up. I was happy when I tested negative for tuberculosis but I was not responding to antibiotics either. One test lead to another and out of the blue it hit me! A few abnormal cells had got into my system and I had to control them before they controlled me! I came to know it was cancer of the lymph nodes.
As I heard, I was dazed, scared and anxious. My mother had just the previous month left for Thailand on a teaching assignment. Who do I turn to, what do I do? I was too numb to react.
IT all happened so suddenly that the doctors felt the only way to get over it was to get on with chemo straightaway leaving me with very little time to prepare myself or to be e counseled into facing the situation.
The first few chemos I was really scared and upset. the presence of my grand mother and my father beside me helped a lot. They were my punching bags as also my cheerleaders. The six months felt very long then. somehow I pushed through it and at the end of it I could look back and say wow! I made it!
Except family members who rallied around me and friends who kept making enquiries as to how I fared after each chemo, there was no support system available in the hospital. my aunt who is herself a doctor and my own doctor used to patiently explain why I have to go through what I was going through.
While in hospital I saw a seven year old boy who was undergoing chemo and had lost all his hair. He was facing it very bravely. I thought if he could do it at his age, why not me?!!
There was another man who had undergone chemo the past one year for his stomach. He told me how he had only one chemo left and assured me it will all be over and behind me before I realized. It was reassuring and less daunting when I saw and heard them.
Meanwhile I decided to sit for my final exams. When my grand mother asked the doctor whether I could sit for the Examinations the doctor retorted, "What is important to you? Your grandson or the exams.? " Without batting an eye lid, my grand mom said-'"both!". It was the doctor's turn to be taken aback! I used to sit for my paper, come in the afternoon, go for my blood tests and chemo the next day. My eyes used to be bloodshot, swallowing used to be difficult, hands used to be paining where they pocked me for the drip! Teachers wanted to help but I decided to write for myself.
My doctor could not believe I sat through my papers but gave me a token of appreciation when I not only appeared but also got a decent first class! I wrote most of my exams from what I remembered of what my teachers taught me!
Looking back I feel my family's unflinching support and my own +ve outlook helped me face the situation.
The attitude towards my illness generally was one of understanding and empathy. But there was one instance when after a chemo I went to borrow notes from my friend when the father rudely said 'you come to our house after you are cured of your illness!' I feel ignorance and lack of awareness about the disease are responsible for this attitude.
Every cloud has a silver lining they say. As for me this experience has changed me as a person. Earlier I was not very sensitive to others'
suffering and used to be short tempered. Just an excuse was needed for me to blow my fuse!. Now I don't get so upset with people around me. I feel I am a better person now.
When people rush to pat me on my back and admire me for how I faced it all, I feel what I went through was well worth it because here I am standing tall in front of others with those around looking up to me for inspiration!
It is rightly said that 'winners never quit, quitters never win. 'All you ask of God is a stronger back
-Saket Raghavan
saket_best@hotmail.com
Anuradha's Story
My daughter Anuradha paints with a needle. She effortlessly picks out colours, counts the squares, follows a cross stitch pattern meticulously to create a pretty picture. Her embroidered pictures occupy pride of place in many a home. Her hobby has become a fairly lucrative business. And when you see her work you'd never believe that Anu is autistic.
After getting married, Vithal and myself lived in the US where Anuradha was born 6 weeks before her due date on the 10th of July 1967. The labour was long and she was helped out with a suction cap. When we took our tiny baby home, she was perfectly normal. The paediatrician expressed satisfaction with her progress.
In 1969 we returned to India. We admitted Anu to a nursery school in Kanpur. In a couple of days, the teacher said gravely, "There seems to be something wrong with Anuradha. She doesn't speak. And she screams wordlessly. When I called out her name she didn't turn. Could she be deaf?"
A ear test found nothing wrong with Anu's hearing. We took her to a psychologist in Lucknow. The English psychotherapist Marjorie Foyle conducted a series of tests and informed us that Anuradha was autistic. I was asked: Did Anuradha like to be cuddled? Did she reach out to you when picked up? Did she smile or look at you when she was being fed? Did she ignore your comings and goings?
Anuradha was observed by the specialists privately while she was out in a room full of toys. They noticed that no matter what object they introduced to her, she would go back to the same set of building blocks, again and again, day after day. All attempts for conversation were met with disinterested silence. She would not look anyone in the eye. Her glances were, and still are, sideways. Her speech was absent or incoherent. She would rock herself back and forth, back and forth, endlessly.
In counselling sessions it was explained that autistic try to arrange the environment so as to exclude intrusion from other people or a variety in routine. A child's natural tendency to explore and to relate to people and things is overbalanced by aversion and fear, and they withdraw into their own orderly world which avoids the stimuli. Thus, they fail to develop communicative language or social communication.
I listened. I was shocked. Resentful. Disbelieving. Distraught. Terrified. Anuradha had become extremely difficult. She would insist on wearing the same dress, the same shoes, the same socks day after day after day. Any attempt to thwart her would lead to a screaming - kicking - flailing tantrum. She developed an obsessive fascination for climbing. By now we had understood and accepted autism. There is no cure. Eventually, we settled on Dilkhush special school in Juhu. Since most of the children were retarded there, Anu was a misfit in school where the focus was on play, self care and alphabet. She would sit in a corner of her universe. But like any other autistic children, she showed remarkable aptitude for puzzles which involved matching and fitting objects.
My days were full. I would cut and paste numbers and alphabets, fruits, flowers and vegetable into puzzles, charts, flash cards and repeat them to Anu when she returned from school. The results were gradual. I taught Anu how to bathe herself, after bathing together for a while. I also taught her how to clean herself after her toilet. Autistic children are by nature independent and obsessed with the maintenance of sameness and order. They use other people when they choose. Upto 30 per cent of autistic children manifest epilepsy.
When Anu was 16 she entered a contest for the handicapped called "Talent for Wealth" and bagged first prize for craft. Three years later, the Dilkhush School put her into a 10-to-3 workshop, where they actually pay her Rs.500 a month.
I am grateful that Anu's condition was diagnosed soon. I am lucky to have a family where my husband Vithal, my son Sanjay, and his wife Kavita, who understand Anu's condition perfectly. We have always been a team. I swap experiences with the Autistic support group and have given talks to parents several times. I urge them to treat their children with wholehearted love, to accept their dark sides with their light sides.
- Jyoti Rao
Living with Epilepsy
I was caught unawares by Epilepsy when I was on the threshold of a very fulfilling experience of my life - motherhood.
I had my first tonic-clonic attack while I was in labour during the birth of my first child in 1984. The stray attack was perhaps dismissed as a labour-associated convulsion and soon forgotten in the euphoria of rearing my first-born, my daughter. Four years passed by without even a trace of that episode. However, it resurfaced in 1988 when the stork visited me again. The second tonic-clonic attack came in the very initial months of my 2nd pregnancy. Something was amiss. But once again the attack was attributed to pregnancy and conveniently forgotten. Both my kids were growing up. Then, suddenly out of the blue again after 4 years i.e. in 1992, I had my third tonic-clonic attack, at home and this time, I was not pregnant. This was not normal, we realized . I was at once advised EEG and the diagnosis indicated I was having 'abnormal EEG and epilepsy'.
The prefix 'ab' had suddenly placed me in a different category , medically. Did I feel different ? No. But the sudden change imposed on my lifestyle had made me as vulnerable as any layperson. The routine of Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) demanded that I have a more disciplined life, which meant regular food, sleep and leisure and most important heavy medication. I was eager to learn more about epilepsy but my near and dear ones, in their over protectiveness , were too sensitive and reluctant to speak about it just others were insensitive about the whole issue. Initially, I too reacted negatively but soon realized that it was only ignorance that made the reaction of most of those around me so inappropriate.
Once I acknowledged my condition and the attitudes of people, the road to recovery was quick.
Yet society expected me to be different. I had a new label. I had so many unanswered questions and wanted to meet other persons with epilepsy to find the answers. As luck would have it, my physician Dr. Chaitan Gulvady, handed me a small book on epilepsy, authored by Dr. Pravina Shah. It provided basic and vital information about epilepsy. Towards the end it mentioned a self-help group for persons with epilepsy. Little did I know then, that Dr. Shah and the group would become an integral part of my life.
I went to see Dr. Shah and was completely bowled over by her dedication towards not just the physical well being of persons with epilepsy but also their psychological well-being. She introduced me to the self-help group SAMMAN. Their activities for creating epilepsy awareness interested me so much, that slowly but surely SAMMAN grew on me. I was hooked on it. Looking back, I feel epilepsy has been a blessing in disguise. It gave me a new focus and provided me with new purpose. I have a keen interest in classical music, drama and writing poetry. Cultivating these talents gave me great pleasure but mostly benefited me alone. Today, working with the group, I use these talents to teach others. We use drama for our epilepsy awareness and cultural programmes It is a great outlet for emotional expression and creates a positive effect on both the audience and the performers.
Living with epilepsy has been easier for me than most others, seizures being just once every 4 years, onset only after marriage. My secure job at the Reserve Bank of India further boosted my confidence. But still, it has not been smooth sailing. There was a time when epilepsy created havoc with my family life. My second child showed signs of learning difficulty which doctors felt could have been caused by my second seizure whilst in the early months of pregnancy. Fortunately, I did not harbor any guilt. At the same time, I knew that I had to do something for my child. Taking a year's leave, I enrolled for a Bachelor in Special Education to help my child cope with his difficulty. Together we fought, tooth and nail, to overcome our respective problems and emerged with flying colours.
With all this first hand experience, I knew 'where the shoe pinches', what the parents lacked and desired. Thus, www.childraise.com was born. This is a website basically aimed at empowering parents with Resources, Awareness, Information, Support & Education for their 'special' child. Today, being a facilitator of Samman, along with other team members and professionals, I strive hard to alleviate the trauma experienced by epilepsy caregivers and to rehabilitate the person with epilepsy.
- Kavita Shanbhag
Everyday Is a Challenge
Sahil was born on 5 September our joy knew no bounds as he was a long awaited gift from God and was the first fruit of our life.
He was a healthy and active baby though he did not develop babbling till 1 ½ year. We thought, since he was the only child at home with no children in the neighborhood, may be the reason behind the delay. He happily went to a play home and played 'amongst' the children, learnt to recite nursery rhymes and speak in words. He scribbled the alphabets and numbers.
At that time we thought he was a genius since he could fix the jigsaw puzzles without being taught. We admitted him to a regular nursery school and were happy to hear from the teachers that Sahil ate on his own and did quite a few things independently, which other children could not do. But, three months later, teacher with her keen observation sensed some unusual behaviour
patterns in Sahil like hand flapping, rocking and some bizarre behaviours which were not found in other children. We were told in school that Sahil would not respond to his name when called out. They thought he might have hearing difficulty. He was also self-absorbed and not very communicative; which was unusual and needed proper investigation.
This did not alarm us as Sahil seemed to be normal otherwise. And so we went about our lives without any tension and worries. Meanwhile, I took up a job to keep myself busy and time flew into months. My parents advised me to keep Sahil with them to take good care of him in my absence. There, he had a daily routine and would listen to music for hours and play aimlessly with toys. By this time, my brother who is a doctor noticed something amiss. When he clapped on Sahil's hand, he would not clap in return. There was no reaction for anything. So they took him to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him as mentally retarded and asked to do some investigations. We were not informed for we might be shocked. Nonetheless, I was called back home and told to get Sahil's hearing test done.
Back in Mumbai we took Sahil to Ali Yavar Jung Hospital for Hearing check up. Thus began the rigmarole of Doctor Shopping in the hope of correct diagnosis. Every professional giving us half information, in the bargain vital time was being wasted. Exasperated, we went to our regular pediatrician. We were amazed by his poignant questions. After being answered, he referred us to Hinduja Hospital. Coincidently, my brother-in-law (husband's brother) also took an appointment there with Dr. Udani who happens to be his friend. He told us to do some evaluation. On our second visit, without wasting our time Dr.Udani told us that Sahil is Autistic. It meant nothing to us at that moment.
For two years we took Sahil for various therapies but there was no improvement in him. So one day out of frustration, I stopped all the visits to the professionals and decided to help my child on my own. Though my teaching was not systematic and methodical- I kept consistency and patience and in few days my hard work and efforts bore results. I was very thrilled and excited. I decided to get trained in autism.
I enrolled myself in a course conducted by KPAMRC-Bangalore. There I was not alone. We were 25 parents having a child with autism. The doctors who came to lecture, encouraged and boosted our morale. Dr. Nalini Menon and
Mrs.Rukmini Krishnaswamy have always been reassuring and inspiring. The training of six months gave me a thorough insight into the disability and I was confident to work and help my child and other parents of autistic children.
There have been many ups and downs and struggle involved to make my son independent. Today Sahil writes 100 words in English, uses sign language along with spoken word to communicate. He can name objects, is sociable and most important, totally independent in looking after himself. He attends a special school and is doing fairly well.
We, as parents have to remember that only school teaching or therapy sessions do not bring results training should be throughout the day. It is not the length of the sessions that are important but how effectively one provides a conducive environment for the child to learn is more valuable. Even brief exposure and experiences can be very useful. Also, try to make an autistic child part of the show.
This article is not intended to be just a narration of our story. I would like to share with other parents that everyday is a challenge. Though it is a tough task checking self stimulatory, self injurious behaviour, constantly being on one's toes and giving verbal instructions, still it is challenging to train your child. The best reward is to make our child independent to the best extent possible and help him lead a life with a fair amount of dignity and be productive to the society in his own way.
- Mrs. Alka Baghdadi
Light the Candle of Confidence
Learning Disability known as L.D is more common feature now than before. It is a disability where the mind works faster than the hand. I realized it a few years back when my son Arpit was diagnosed as having Dyslexia.
In his younger days I did not realize it and often wondered why he did so well orally compared to written work. Finally he was diagnosed as having L.D. in the 8 th std. Unknowingly, I used to write notes for him to complete his notebooks. When I learnt about it, I was shattered first but I read books and studied about it and then accepted it. I learnt various small ways to support him. Acceptance is the first step to be taken by parents and secondly, provide much needed emotional support to the child. One needs strength and balance which are partners in progress.
The support of teachers and a normal environment is very important. I have been lucky to get it in his school by every office bearer and also in the 12 th std. Arpit passed 10 th and 12 th with 67% and 60% respectively. They were moments of great joy for us. CHILDReach Institute Matunga has played a very significant role in his success.
I adopted different ways to improve his performance. I made him listen to cassettes, used Dictaphone where I dictated lessons and he listened to them before every exam. I used coloured Cellophane papers. The yellow colour worked wonders. Also, I taught him to be independent. All parents should try and do different little things for them, which will lift their spirits and emotions. This helps to increase their confidence. Once this torch is ignited, there is no turning back.
Today my son is doing a full fledged Diploma Course in Travel & Tourism from Bombay University, and I am very proud of him. I must admit, that all this would not have been possible without his efforts and interest. He was very reciprocal and the support was mutual.
I urge other parents to ARISE and shed inactivity. Fill your child's life with rays of light and ignite the torch of confidence. Let them face sunshine so the shadows will recede. The confidence gained will impart wonderful inspiration to the possessor. The parents should be determined to protect child's individuality and open all the avenues to life.
Today I am a fulfilled parent. I thank all who gave their support to Arpit and me.
I believe - Light the candle of confidence. The whole world can be lit by it's glow. Never let its flame burn low. The greatest courage is to bear defeat without loosing heart but to rise and support at every fall. Life will shine through Hope and Hard work!
- Mrs. Shah
Silent Strength
Without a past, we are all children
To be grown up is to have a memory!
Past is kept alive by few memorable moments that are etched in our minds. They give us the roots. The peculiarity is, we can be selective. We recollect pleasant memories but sometimes painful ones which are repressed, do come to the surface.
Our family was happiest when Juthika was born for she was the first girlchild in our entire household. But the happiness was shortlived. Juthika had 'Meningitis' on the 4th day. She was taken to another hospital and brought back home only after a month and a half. She was neither disturbed by the big sounds nor responded to them. We were plagued by worry. We took him to the ENT specialist. He told us to come when she turned one. Later on, when the diagnosis revealed that Juthika was "Deaf" we were shattered.
We couldn't accept the verdict. We went to Jaslok, wanting to hear something different but they also confirmed the diagnosis. But I will never forget the advice given by Dr. Vijay Shah. He said "The problem won't get solved by crying. You have to face the problem. Be strong, then only you can help your daughter progress. "I was just 21 then. It was a big blow for a young mother like me to handle but I had to collect myself for Juthika.
And so the treatment started. Since Juthika had minor problem in the leg as well, I used to take her to COH - Haji Ali for physiotherapy. We admitted her in a special school for deaf children. We were under the impression that she was doing well since there were no complaints. But suddenly one day, the principal called me to say that she was lagging behind and we should admit her in the school for hearing impaired where she can be mainly trained in lipreading and sign language. I felt very bad because we had wasted precious time. There was no use crying over spilt milk.
There was no ray of hope but our neighbour pulled me out of despair by introducing me to her friend a speech therapist. We went to Jyotsnatai for treatment and within a month juthika started uttering full words. We also changed the school. She started going to Pragati Vidyalaya for Deaf Simultaneously, She was excellantly tutored by Sandhyatai Apte in Maths and science. Her progress was fast.
Juthika was not academically inclined. Basically, she liked being with people. She wanted to know what they talked or why they laughed. She was good at drawing and reproducing the designs with her extraordinary eye-hand coordination. We found Juthika's vocation by chance. Once she was down with fever. Just to keep her occupied, I started teaching her embroidery. And to my sheer delight, she did it very nicely. Immediately, she was admitted in the diploma course in tailoring and embroidery. Both the courses she completed with 1st class and stood 1st in embroidery.
Slowly, we started making trousseaus, baby clothes. Soon, it turned into a profession for her. All the delicate, fine work she handled on her own. In addition, she started pot painting, handicraft classes for children. She enjoyed every bit of it.
By this time, Juthika was of marriageable age and we were in search of a suitable groom for her. Very fortunately, we came across a boy- Shivanand Chavan. We found him to be very genuine, intelligent and resourceful person. And they both decided to get married. He has never let his handicap of being deaf hinder his way. With his mother's great support and his intense efforts he has been able to attend the normal school and passed 10th,12th and Degree exam in 1st class. At present he is working for the Railways. We are very fond and proud of him.
Juthika has settled down in her matrimonial home with ease. She is an ideal homemaker. And now, our happiness knows no bounds since Radha, their daughter has arrived.
- Mrs.Vandana Shinde