Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 11: Many a time people who are otherwise fit feel helpless in doing things or getting tasks performed. There is a man in the city, who, in spite of his disability, has conquered it and leads an ideal life. He is Jagadish Bhat from Ambalpady here. Even though Bhat is himself differently-abled, that has not come in the way of him helping the other disabled persons. He has been providing training to handicapped people in riding two-wheelers and also gets their driving license done through Disabled Union Udupi. He has been doing these things in the form of service since the last six to seven years.

Jagadish, who is currently employed at ITI College, Udyavar near here, was normal when born. When he was six, he was afflicted by polio as a result of which he eventually lost control over one of his legs. This did not deter Jagadish, who was determined to succeed, from completing his graduation. He got trained in riding two-wheelers to lead a self -reliant life. Now he does online entries in the office of the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) here.

Bhat is the only trainer in the district for the differently abled. As the design of the two-wheelers provided to disabled persons is different, normally people do not evince interest in providing this training. Jagadish has come to the rescue of differently abled people by providing this training. He also has taught driving to many poor people and also got their license done. His only aim has been to bring the handicapped people to the mainstream. In addition, he also educates them in the matter of various government schemes aimed at helping them, and other legal information which might be of use to them.

Bhat has not confined his job to just training the differently abled. He is a Yakshagana and Hulivesha (tiger dance) artiste in his own right. He has formed a Yakshagana troupe of his own. On Ashtami festival every year, he performs tiger dance by dressing up as a tiger. Since the last two years he has not been performing Hulivesha because of financial difficulties and it is risky too.

He has not received his monthly pay since March. Around 90% of the disabled in the district did not get their monthly aid. After the new government was formed three years ago, no vehicle has been sanctioned to the handicapped persons, he rues. Over 300 applications for vehicles are pending. Many of the people with handicap turned so because of endosulfan use.

Jagadish says, “Many endosulfan-affected people particularly from around Kundapur are dependent on the monthly allowance they get from the government for meeting their medical expenses. There are several among them who want to be self-reliant but the negligence of the government has been stopping them from achieving something in life. The state government needs to attend to their problems and encourage them to become independent and self-reliant. After lockdown their situation is worse even than before. The government has to ensure that they get medical facilities without further delay.”