THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A group of people in wheelchairs stole the attention of those who visited Marine Drive. While others were seen sitting in a bench and enjoying the waves, the wheel chair users were engaged in a serious discussion. The members of the All Kerala Wheelchair Users Association (AKWUA) were being vocal about their rights.
They hardly received the aid made eligible by the government to the paraplegics. Though an eager amount, it took over seven to eight months to receive the meager amount from the government. “As differently abled people fall under various categories, our benefits tend to get delayed,” says Anil Kumar, president of AKWUA. Anil also heads ‘Palium’ which sells products like soaps and umbrellas to earn their living. Sarath, another member, demands a wheelchair-friendly state.
“The government and the public has to see things from our perspective as well. Ramps at public places, bathrooms, better government opportunities is the need of the hour,” he adds. Sarath who hails from Perumbavoor currently coordinates an Orchestra troupe called ‘Palium Orchestra’ which has so far performed live at 15 stages.
What is paraplegia?
It is described as the loss of free movement and feeling of limbs which is caused either as a result of an accident or by birth itself. A charitable trust called Paraplegia Patients Welfare Society initiated by a group of six people in 2010 supports these Paraplegic patients.
Mathew P Jacob, a social worker from Kothamangalam says, “Many of these patients earn their living. Many of them have opened a small stationary which sells recharge coupons to support their families,” he adds. Unni, a freelance graphic designer who arrived from Koothattukulam for the meet states that lack of ramps are a major problem in Kerala.
“We had to be carried to Marine Drive by other people,” he added.
Unable to go to a movie theatre Many of them shared the experience of never going to a theatre as there was never a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a movie. Others were too hesitant to even come out of their homes. Mathew states that it was only after the formation of the welfare society that many people came to the forefront. There were men, women, old and young including 65-year-old Sambhu Namboothiri and Greeshma, aged 18. AKWUS will have a formal inauguration at Kottayam.