Prasad Shamrao Pandharphale
PANAJI
The twin brothers Prasad and Vinod Shamrao Pandharphale have albinism, a congenital condition characterised in humans by the partial or complete absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. As albinism is associated with a number of vision defects, both the brothers had 40 per cent vision at birth which is constant. “Thankfully it is not deteriorating, and the doctors say it will hopefully remain the same,” shares Prasad, elder by few minutes among the twins who are now 31. Their elder brother Deepsagar has no health issues.
The Pandharphales live in Bicholim and both work as supervisors at the Zantye's, Prasad in their Bicholim office and Vinod at their Vasco office. Due to low vision their primary schooling was a challenge. “I was not studying well,” recalls Prasad. It was the turning point in the life of the two brothers, when Leena Prabhu, a teacher from the National Association of Blind (Goa) appeared as an angel. She took details of the duo from the hospital and school and knowing their condition, she telephoned the Pandharphale family, and visited their home in Bicholim to coax the twins to join NAB. The year was 2005.
“Our parents are not so educated. Our father was working in the electricity department and mother was a homemaker. They were not aware of NAB or any such special school where we could study. They agreed to send us to NAB to secure our future. At NAB, we stayed in the hostel and were given training for a year. Later we were admitted in Santacruz School where we answered 5th std and passed. We did our SSC from the same school. I did HSSC from Fr Agnel Higher Secondary at Pilar, and my BA from Dhempe College, Panaji. I stayed at NAB for almost 15 years and my brother till he passed his HSSC. He did hotel management at IHM, Goa. Our stay at NAB was totally free, and we did not have to pay a single rupee,” narrates a thankful Prasad.
NAB helped the brothers to bloom, and the committee members saw to it that they study well and explore life. Various vocational courses, yoga, music, computers, outings were regular at NAB and the dedicated teachers as well as staff strived to make all the students independent and confident.
“I am thankful to NAB president Rozan Mendonsa, Usha Kamat, Tanuja Zalmi and late Leena Prabhu for being there for me at that delicate juncture of my life, when I was about to be a dropout. If Prabhu teacher had not come home searching for the two of us, we would not have been able to educate ourselves, and earn our living with dignity,” feels Prasad.
Prasad’s story would be incomplete without the mention of Mahadev Sawant, a friend, philosopher and guide from NAB. “Mahadev was and is a great support,” shares Prasad who began participating in sports activities prominently with Mahadev’s encouragement. “Exposure to different activities instils confidence in me. I have learnt it from Mahadev and both of us motivate other PwDs to participate in sports and cultural activities, learn new skills and add vivid experiences to their life. We also bring PwDs out of their shells, and encourage them to socialise, make friends and share their thoughts.
Trained in judo, Prasad represented Goa at Lucknow and won a bronze medal. Many others from Goa also won medals. He continued playing in Goa too. In school he was good at carrom and liked football. He continues playing indoor and outdoor games. Later he was introduced to many sports and enjoyed participating in drama. The learning never stops for Prasad, who recently completed a filmmaking course at Chennai and learnt scuba diving though he did not know how to swim. He also likes to travel to places and undertake trekking. Painting and creating useful things out of waste is also his hobby. During Christmas and Diwali he loves to make cribs, stars and Narkasur and akash kandils.
“I do not let myself be demotivated by the negative comments I receive. Due to albinism the colour of my skin is white, and people find my appearance ugly. Many tell that I will not be able to get a life partner because of my disability. But I have my strengths too. I have learnt to ignore the taunts or rather take them positively. The challenging circumstances motivate me all the time,” says Prasad who expresses gratitude towards NAB for making him who he is today.
“Parents of visually impaired kids should come forward to enrol their wards at NAB Goa to shape and make their future bright. I feel that NAB’s contribution to the Goan society is immense and it should be recognised by the government, the society and due credit should go to their noble work,” concludes Prasad.
