CHENNAI: Never Give Up is a short film about 25-year-old Sriram Srinivas Rajasekaran, who has been suffering from cerebral palsy and mental health condition since birth. But his journey has proved that multiple disabilities can never be a barrier. A five-minute video giving a glimpse into the life of Sriram was played at the LV Prasad Films & TV Academy. The event began with a patriotic dance performance by the special children of Sri Sairam Trust.
The guest speaker of the programme Justin Vijay Jesudas, a quadriplegic, is a researcher by profession. He has won several gold medals in national and international tournaments. He is also a national champion in rifle shooting under his category. “People always underestimate and set lower standards for disabled children. If you believe in them then they can do a lot more. It is possible only by setting a goal and a strong network system. We need to understand that there’s not much of a difference in a disabled and able person performing a task,” says Justin.
Three months back Sriram completed five-km swimming in the open sea in three hours and 18 minutes. He was given the achiever award as a part of the NCC open sailing expedition of Cuddalore. Sriram has more than 27 medals in athletics, open water swimming and swimming. “It took 10 years for Sriram to even sit properly. With loco-motor disabilities, swimming was not an easy task. Our mother believed that hydrotherapy could help in body movements and control his frustration.
She enrolled him in classes. His first success was when he managed to swim 25 metres. He works out at the gym, does yoga and cycling to keep himself fit,” says Balaji Srinivas, Sriram’s brother. The family believes that sharing his story will bring hope to other parents with special children. “We have to accept the disability, recognise the other capabilities and thereby help in elevating the child’s standards of living. My son’s success wouldn’t have been possible without his two mentors Satish and Selvam,” shares Vanitha Rajasekaran, his mother and the secretary of Sai Sriram Trust.
The function was presided over by commodore Vijesh K Garg, deputy director general of NCC directorate, Dr S Aravind, chief medical officer, Aravind eye care hospital and U Sagayam, IAS, vice chairman of Science City Planetarium campus.
Not a weak heart
The guest speaker of the programme, Justin Vijay Jesudas, has won several gold medals in national and international tournaments. He said how disabled kids are often underestimated but they can do so much more.