THE GOAN
PANAJI
Visiting a camp of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev in Panaji drew Anup Shrihari Upadhye towards yoga, pranayam and dhyan. He practices meditation regularly. “Meditation and breathing exercises work. They slow down the racing mind thus bringing more clarity, calmness, stability and thought awareness,” agrees Anup who has 75% physical disability. In his childhood he had to undergo surgery for heel lengthening in both legs. Also, he can’t hold things in his hand because he doesn't have gripping power in his fingers.
“The doctors name my condition as peripheral neuropathy,” he explains. More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, each with its own symptoms, and likely course of progression. Symptoms vary depending on the type of nerves – motor, sensory or autonomic, that are damaged. In Anup’s case, it is motor nerves that control the movement of all muscles one consciously controls, such as those used for walking, grasping things or talking. Anup has difficulty in walking and grasping. He does not have difficulty in speaking.
Born to Sunita and Shrihari Upadhye in May 1987, Anup’s disability was noticed when he was three years old. He could not walk properly, and used his toes to walk. As he did not have balancing, he used to fall often. It was only after surgery in the childhood that Anup was able to walk to some extent and began going to school. But he had to hold something for supporting himself, as he could never master balancing. And the effect of the surgery was temporary. It could not help in his teenage.
Schooled from Shree Saraswati High School and Higher Secondary School at Kavlem Ponda, Anup, despite challenges, completed HSSC with distinction in the commerce stream. “My condition worsened as I grew up and gained body mass. It became extremely difficult for me to take a step or walk. I could not even stand after my HSSC. My disability stopped me from pursuing higher studies,” recalls Anup, who eventually, completed a diploma course in computers from an institute in Ponda and secured a government job as a Lower Division Clerk in the Directorate of Transport.
“Due to my disability, I have to use a wheelchair. Hence, I cannot climb steps. Also I cannot hold a glass, pen, or any object with one hand as I cannot grip an object with my fingers. I use both my hands to hold a cup, and am used to doing that. I almost never drop anything I am holding. And wherever there are steps, I ask someone to help me climb them,” shares Anup.
For Anup going to work independently was initially a big challenge, but over time he managed to overcome it. For some years, he employed a driver who used to drop him at the office on a two-wheeler and pick him up in the evening. However, Anup wanted to be independent. So he applied for a learner’s license to drive a four-wheeler, as he could drive an Omni with callipers for support.
“Initially, I was rejected twice by the medical board, but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I bought an automatic Swift with hand controls and got my permanent driving license. There was no looking back after that,” says Anup who has been driving to and from work for the last five years.
Gradually, his confidence in his driving skills enhanced. He even drove to long distance places like Kolhapur without any discomfort. “This experience reinforced my independence and made me more self-reliant,” agrees Anup whose biggest source of motivation is his mother.
“My mother has always encouraged me. She never felt that I cannot do something. She has always been supportive in making me pursue whatever I wished to accomplish. My father, an agriculturist and purohit, is associated with Kapileshwari temple. Both my parents have instilled positivity in me, and always motivated me,” says a thankful Anup who is very optimistic and never gives up easily.
A motivator himself, he tells others who are in challenging situations, “No matter how difficult life is at times, keep faith in God and keep going. Your psychological health is the key. Doing pranayama and meditation helps a lot. Never stop dreaming. The deeper your dreams are, the closer you are to fulfilling them. Always believe that something bigger is always at your back, protecting you and never letting you be alone. It throws hurdles in your life so you can grow. It does so because you have the power to overcome them.”
Anup lives a simple life. “I don’t have one big dream, but I do hope to live a meaningful life where I can become more independent and confident. I’d love to travel to new places, experience different environments, and grow as a person. I also want to explore new skills and contribute in small ways to making society more inclusive and understanding of people with disabilities. For now, my goal is to focus on what brings peace and purpose to my everyday life," underlines Anup who enjoys playing badminton.
Looking at the difficulties he faces, Anup feels that the government should build ramps, have lifts in working conditions to make public places and buildings accessible for persons with disabilities. Also ensuring timely and adequate pensions to them, conducting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and ensuring inclusion at all levels will ease their lives,” he expresses.
