 Fighting for a better tomorrow
J Winston
 Young Winston, born in Iruppuram, near
Nagercoil, was seriously affected by polio when he was two-and-a-half years old. His parents and two brothers made him forget his disability by their kind words and involving him in some games. But the outer world was different.
He was admitted to a school where he was hurt by the words of some teachers and
students. They never called him by his name but used the word to denote his disability. He was very much attracted to the game of cricket and requested his
father to get a bat for him. He went to the play ground happily but was snubbed by the teacher who pointed out his disability and told that he was fit neither to bat nor bowl and it would be better for him if he curbed his desire to play.
He could never digest the way the teacher behaved with him but there was nothing he could do. The poor boy was very unhappy and faced humiliation at school and in the bus he
travelled by. With all the humiliations, but with the encouragement given by his family, Winston was able to complete his schooling successfully and joined zoology course in
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. He faced tough competition there and made up his mind to come out in flying colours in his studies. He was extremely happy to know that could stand in first position in the course.
Along with his studies he learnt chess and participated in many competitions. He is proud to say that he secured the first prize in an inter-university competition held in Chennai in which 32 universities participated.
 After completing his graduation in zoology, he joined physiotherapy course in MGR Medical University.
He had to go for training in Coimbatore,
Bangalore and Hyderabad. He learnt not only his job but also the values of life. He realised that to be human and humane is more important than earning a lot of money. Respect for elders, care for the sick and weak, especially physically and mentally disabled people, service to the needy people are essential in one's life.
He reached greater heights when he successfully completed his studies in
MGR Medical University and got scholarship to continue his higher studies in South Australia University for four years. His stay in Australia widened his horizon and he got new friends from many countries.
He is happy to say that the government and people in Australia show great concern to the physically handicapped and there are many concessions, privileges and care given to them. Unlike in India, the disabled lead a happy and respectful life in other countries.
After completing the four-year course successfully in Australia, Winston got a suitable job in the rehabilitation centre in Singapore. He is well paid in his new job. Winston is highly ambitious and has good plans for what he would like to do for the handicapped in his native place.
He wants to found a rehabilitation centre for the disabled after collecting the full details of the disabled and give education, occupation, medical facilities and, above all, motivation to them. He wants them not to depend on anyone. It would be possible if only they learn a job which would fetch them some income.
 He expresses his bitter experience when he had applied for getting licence for driving his two-wheeler before going to Singapore. He got the medical certificate from two qualified and experienced medical practitioners. When he was called, he went to the office where he was humiliated by an official. He was asked to stand on one leg for a minute.
Though his right leg was better, he could not lift the left one as it is fully disabled. In spite of it he managed to fulfil their instruction with killing pain in his leg. But his application was finally rejected by the official who wanted some bribe from Winston who did not comply with his demand. This incident created a deep hurt in him. He had experienced care and concern in Australia, but in India faced nothing but humiliation.
He could never forget the teacher would advised him not to think of games in his life. He regrets the condition of the handicapped in India, more so the harsh words spoken to them for no fault of theirs. He feels that children should be taught about love, service, sacrifice, compassion and kindness to others, especially the disabled. He is confident that he would do everything possible to improve the condition of these pitiable, unfortunate children of God.
Shanmugam can be contacted
@:
No: 54 Kamaraj Road,
Ramakrishna Nagar,
Alwar Thirunagar,
Chennai- 600 087.
Phone: 248 60 221
E-mail: shanmugam@azagi.com
(Extracted
from the book 'Hope is Life')
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