The year has come to an end, but not the stories of grit and determination of those with disabilities. These people from across Goa and even other parts of the country speak of their courage and will to overcome challenging situations and come out winners. Santosh Aigal, who is active in sports and cultural activities, is also enthusiastic in disability-related activities. Aigal stands out for entirely different reasons. Despite having severe coordination disorders, he has not given up his witty nature. His friends appreciate his humorous character and vouch that Aigal is one person who can take any joke, and laugh heartily even if it is cracked on him.
The Vasco-based Aigal consistently participates in all events, especially those that are associated with disability. He never tires from travelling from the port town to Panaji for participating in these events and activities, and display his interests. “I am here to enjoy,” is his loud and clear message. For Aigal participating in any event is equal to winning it. This is a powerful lesson for those who have this question, ‘What will I get if I participate?’ or ‘Why should I participate?’ “Aigal, you are the best. Whether you win a medal or not, you are a winner and will remain a winner forever,” says his friend Vishant Nagvenkar, lauding Aigal’s strong will power and self-confidence. Aigal’s spirit and attitude are inspirational, and reminders of the power of perseverance and the joy of being a part of something bigger, greater, larger.
So is Durgadas Naik, the senior most member of the active group who never misses any event, and makes it a point to participate whenever asked for. From acting classes and table tennis to swimming and wheelchair marathons, Durgadas is always there to compete. He is always keen and enthusiastic to try his hands at learning new sports.
Despite his severe disability, Durgadas believes that finding joy in these activities is what he is here for! “Winning is not the issue; being together with my friends makes all the difference,” he quips. Notably, his wife actively participates in every event, programme and workshop organised for the persons with disabilities, showcasing their unwavering partnership and mutual dedication.
A tailor by profession, despite his challenging economic circumstances and humble family background, Durgadas never fails to attend events organised for persons with disabilities. He has victories in table tennis to his name, as he has won several medals in District Level Championships. Durgadas is always the first to arrive at any programme, often reaching before anyone else. He is one of the earliest arrivals for any event or camp. Friends call him the ‘Dada’ because of his commitment, dedication, devotion and passion. He is an inspiration in himself.
Sayad Mosik A Mauli from Porvorim has completed B Ed in Special Education. He has locomotor disability due to polio when he was just a two-year-old kid. He had to face several challenges during his childhood, and how to go to school was the biggest of these. Coming from a poor family with two elder sisters and one elder brother, Sayad’s family lived in a hut on the comunidade land. “The hut was demolished in 1996 and presently SAG cricket ground is constructed at that place,” recalls Sayad whose family shifted to other rental places and hence the distance to the school was too far for him to walk or to being carried and the family asked him not to go to school.
Sayad joined the primary school after a gap of two years, as his parents were asked to send him to school. His brother accepted the responsibility of dropping him to school and later picking him up. “My family and friends helped me a lot. The teachers and non-teaching staff supported too. My brother coaxed me to learn to drive two-wheeler and made me independent after I passed XII class,” adds Sayad who worked for electricity call centre 1912 and Hello Group call centre 2412121 helpline during night shifts and attended college in the day time.
Sayad also gave tuitions to students from class I to XII after his college hours, before attending his duty at call centre, doing night shifts. A bright student always, his will power made him strong. “If we consider ourselves strong enough to overcome our difficulties, we automatically become strong. Nobody can stop us. Sheer determination and dedication towards the goal will bring success, I believe,” smiles Sayad who currently works as LDC at Sanjay Centre for Special Education Goa in Porvorim.
“The society has to change the mindset, because some think that persons with disabilities are good for nothing and try to sideline them from participating in events. I enjoy playing badminton, table tennis, wheelchair cricket. I also love singing, watching movies, listening to music and reading. I take interest in social work, trekking, hiking, travelling and indoor as well as outdoor games. I love to make new friends,” shares the happy-go-lucky Sayad who wanted to be a teacher. Underscoring the accessibility issue, he feels that the government should see to it that all are provided accessibility to all public places and government offices.
