India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES, CA: Talking about ‘to be positive’ is easy but ‘in action’ is difficult. It is even difficult for a person with disabilities. But, what surprised me more is meeting a woman in her thirties in wheelchair from India participating in Kumbha Mela held recently in Artesia.
Life was horrible for Sai Padma with surgeries all through her life, and living in a country like India where disabled are still ill-treated. With support and encouragement from her parents, she has obtained a degree in law, masters in finance management and accounts.
She left a lucrative career as finance professional to join the social service organizations and has risen from grass-root level activist to the ranks of disability activist whose opinions and articles count in the lives of Indian disabled. She is associated with organizations like “Lions Family Welfare Planning Trust” and “Global Aid” and “Association for Human Development” in India and abroad too.
When I asked what made her come into the social field, without hesitation she said, “I want to improve my condition and facilities for the Indian disabled. Representing them is my life’s purpose.
I know what troubles and tribulations mean to us”. She, in fact consulted few organizations for putting on state of art braces that are available in USA. The primary constraint that hinders Padma from living a more comfortable life is the financial constraints that prohibit her from buying the braces that would make life easier for her.
The braces she wears are 4-5 kgs and give extreme pain in legs, knees and turns her skin very rough and also whatever muscle strength . But the new braces costs around $8000-9000, which is way beyond her means. These braces are made with carbon graphite and titanium and which are not available in India. They make walking easier. She needs our help very badly.
If she can show case best braces made in USA to Indians, it will really help others disabled persons. Let’s join to help her through your contribution so that she would walk better and serve the needy in a better way.
I talked about her work, life, passion, social service and most important living with disability in India. She said she was affected by polio at a very tender age - she was barely 45 days young.
Several surgeries were performed on her, but all in vain. She only has two choices: either be on a wheelchair or walk with braces. But her braces as I see are very primitive.
One cannot stop admiring her courage and determination despite all odds that a disabled person faces in India. She shared about her work and social service, her overcoming constraints and transforming herself as a social entrepreneur.
Please make contributions to help her, in favor of “Association for Human Development (AFHD)”. Your contributions are tax deductible. and most important they will serve a noble cause. Please mail checks to Mr. Jagjit Singh, Sir Speedy-Tustin, 13554, New Port Ave, Tustin. Ca
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