A mentally-challenged youth has set an example for many with his unique achievement and rigorous efforts to meet his mission of life.
Rabi Sabar (26), a resident of Maragada village under Sadar Block in Nuapada district, is a mentally-disabled person. However, the divyang has become an inspiration for others for his selfless service and noble cause for which he is surviving.
He was conferred with a State award by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities for his dedicated service at a school. He received a cheque of Rs 25,000 as reward for achievement. He was in top of the list of 8 divyang nominees out of 44 candidates for the award.
However, the reward prize is not only an acknowledgement to him but also a big amount that he is saving for his sister’s marriage.
According to reports, Rabi’s father Lakshman Sabar is a mentally ill person and his mother Birabai Sabar is working outside the State as a bonded labourer for livelihood. After marriage of his two sisters, the youngest sibling is taken care of by Rabi.
After diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders that appear in early childhood and permanently affect body movement, he was enrolled at Biju Patnaik Special School for Mentally Challenged (BPSSMC), Nuapada, in the year 2000 for studies. However, the mentally challenged youth crossed all the barriers through his strong will power and secured a position for him in society.
Now, he is no more dependent on anyone for his own work. Reports said that the youth can do vocational work perfectly without taking anyone’s help. He has been serving the divyang inmates as an attendant at BPSSMC since 2016.
Born in a poor family, Rabi’s childhood days went through hardships. His family was devastated after spending for marriage of two sisters. His father lost his mental stability and her mother migrated to another State for earning. Rabi is earning money for his livelihood as well his youngest sister’s wedding.