Young laxmi is disabled by ‘hands’ but is the ‘most popular’ staff of Guru Nanak Home for Handicapped Children, Bariatu. The philosophy graduate girl from Bero block was invited by this home’s officials in 2005 because of her ‘skills’ like teaching children and managing them easily at the same time.
The girl who has only one finger in her right limb takes the support of her feet for all the activities done by hands. “In school and college, my writing would shock people. With the passage of time, painting and handkerchief embroidery became my favourite past time. Again, people are amazed to see me. I am no where inferior than ‘normal girls’ but aspire of a government job and husband like the latter,” she said.
laxmi, who basically hails from a modest background, is living her life independently within the premises of the handicapped home and earns a monthly salary of about Rs 3000. Manager of the home, BN Mishra said that she is always a ‘news piece’ but the state government has never given her a platform where she can ‘showcase’ her talent despite being a patient of ‘Phocomelia Syndrome’ (PS).
Phocomelia Syndrome is a rare birth defect that causes severe birth defects, especially of the upper limbs. The bones of the arms, and in some cases other appendages, may be extremely shortened and even absent. The fingers of the hands may be fused. “Every graduate handicapped has the right to get a state government job. In my life, the fact is vice-versa. Year after year I have met prominent ministers like Babulal Marandi, Arjun Munda, Shibu Soren and Madhu Koda for providing a government job but nothing was given in return except a mere verbal assurance,” laxmi added.
Speaking about laxmi’s present job position, Mishra said, “She is the first one to decide where a patient will be accommodated. Also, she is the first person whom patients approach for assistance on any problem. The best part is that we do not have to worry in case of organizing a cultural event for children. In one word she is our ‘Public Relations Officer’. Unfortunately, finding a groom for such an ‘eligible’ bride is not in our hands.”
laxmi is an ‘inspiring idol’ for as many as 60 patients admitted here including boys and girls. “When I came here in 2011, the feeling of ‘handicapped’ would frustrate me as I could not pursue my higher education. But, laxmi didi’s words and behaivour erased those worries and now I am no more ashamed of my physical inabilities,” said Kiran Kumari, suffering from Amilotrophic Muscular Distrophy who wrote a book on ‘Rights of Handicapped’ in 2012.
