An outfit of dwarfs demanded reservation in jobs, free education, vocational training, transport facility, pension and inclusion in the category of disables. They also submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Governor in city on Thursday.
Baune Bandhu Samaaj Kalyan Sangathan, an organisation working with dwarfs in the state, celebrated Vaaman Mahotsav in the city on Thursday. Around 20 dwarfs associated with the organisation submitted the 23-point memorandum to Governor Shekhar Dutt.
Twenty-year-old Sunita Dutta is a dwarf and studies in Class 11. Her elder sister Sundari said that instead of treating her sister as an equal, often society mocks at her disability. Dwarfs are subjected to discriminations, she said.
Naval Kishore (43) works at a cloth store in Pandri. “Even though I earn a decent sum and can manage a household, I have been unable to find myself a match. Nobody wants to wed their daughter to a dwarf,” lamented Kishore.
President Arvind Shukla and organiser Sachchidanand Upasane of Baune Bandhu Samaaj Kalyan Sangathan said the organisation is continuously struggling for the rights of dwarfs in the State.
“We are trying to get dwarfs under the disabled category,” Shukla said.
Presenting a contrast picture is life of Sarjulal Sahu, who works as a folk artist. Sahu enjoys a happy family life with his wife and
two daughters, who have average height.
Nathhu Dada (64), who has worked in several movies, also attended the fest along with his son, grandson and friends. Dada has worked in films like Mera Naam Joker, Dharmatma, Khote Sikke and several other vernacular movies. All his children are of average height.