Tough to be Disabled in India

With the epithets like ``lungra``, `kaana`, ``lulha``, ``buGra`` -- embedded for centuries in the cruel fabric of subcontinenal languages for the handicapped -- India and Pakistan are the worst places to be handicapped -- and they will remain so for another 100 years.

in civilized countries there is empathy for the disadvantaged -- in the barbarian subcontinent -- only contempt.

The answer to the problem is also evident here on the Chowk-- the average inhabitant of the sub-continent is still more interested in issues related to veils, scarves, turbans and beards and of course greater issues pertaining to Mandirs and Masjids. In our endeavour to steadfastly retreat to the Middle Ages in terms of social development, we just do not have the intellect needed to discuss such issues which stem from being civilized. Unfortunately we still are where we belong...the Middle Ages.

Being handicapped is tough. It is made worse by societal apathy, which Nasah sahib described in #1.

I don`t know what the solutions are - but making more laws does not appear to be one of them. We have all kinds of laws - anti dowry laws, anti discrimination laws, anti child labor laws, you name it - we got a law for it. But few of those actually work. Education and enlightenment seem to be the only reliable ways - albeit very slow.

This subcontinent has abominable attitude towards the handicapped it is a genuine problem that cuts across caste or even class...........none of the politicians or parties or even media has done anything to highlight the issue.................it is a problem that can be solved by enforcing the existing provisions in law...why haven`t we been able to full the vacancies in the govt department for the handicapped? ............the govt should be sued by the handicapped............I would prefer some militancy from the handicapped and insisting on their rights to be given priviledged treatment every where!!

Re: # 4
B.Khan... sir you wrote ``This subcontinent has abominable attitude towards the handicapped it is a genuine problem that cuts across caste or even class...........none of the politicians or parties or even media has done anything to highlight the issue` , You are very right.
Even our attitude can be about handicapped animals. Recently my cat was suffering so took to doctor. He said after examining his ear tips said he has Cancer at ear tips. I asked him what can be done as he is old cat and like family member to me. Doctor said nothing can be done except cut his ear flapps but you are not going to like such cat better he can depart him to heaven with shot. I told him to do needful and remove ear flaps and has atleast some chance. Now cat is without ear flaps but is healthy and doing fine. Your point is well taken.
Politicians are worst than animals in everything and most if lined up and shot along Cliffton Beach nobdoy will bother.
There was one politician who was really interested in wellfare of handicapped , a well known leader from India. He used to visit laper`s colonies and encourage workers doing work for lapers. I have seen picture of this frail man , eating food with lapers and talking. Now I do not want to disturb Manto by saying name.

it all depends on how much money you have. The west (US and Europe) the new legislation which would improve the quality of life of the handicapped came into force only in the last few years. Till then the handicapped found life miserable and perhaps just as tough as it is in India and other places.

#5 Ahmedmadani

[He used to visit laper`s colonies and encourage workers doing work for lapers. I have seen picture of this frail man , eating food with lapers and talking. Now I do not want to disturb Manto by saying name.]

It is amazing, you actually SAW Manto`s dad?!!!

I did not know that Dead Man Jinnah could deign to do any of that stuff!

Mashallah..........Madani Saheb.....you have been gifted with a great perceptible intellect.........now we can ask Manto Saheb to tell us about the reality behind this great man sitting and eating with the lepers...............

Dutta sahib

Thanks for focusing on our nation`s real problems. May good god bless you, irrespective of any specific agreements or disagreements we may have....

Re: # 6
Your comments are reasonable. Govt will not do, is expected.
In our personal life we should try whenever possible to be at ease with handicapped people. That we can do.
I find many people with wrong attitude.
First they say I can not do it its too big needs govt so will do nothing. Other extreme some say its not too much and can do little only so no point in doing. So finally nothing is done. We all should do what we can to for people with disadvantages. I have mental depression handicap but many people have helped me in many ways, mostly in small ways and that gives courage to face life.
Good morning everybody and good day.

In Pakistan the handicapped were given some importance for the first time, strangely enough, during the rule by a dictor, a daughter of Zia was special, and thus the cause of his having a soft spot for them. Since the handicapped don`t have an electoral clout, during periods in which there was a semblance of democracy, the disabled were relatively neglected. This pinpoints a problem in Pakistan regarding the handicapped. In different organizations and in the whole country, the handicapped are dependent for support and help on personalities. If there is somebody in authority who has a special sympathy for the handicapped, fine, otherwise there is little realizatiion in general that the handicapped must be helped to realize their full potential, so that a sizeable manpower of the nation is not wasted. The other problem is that, for ages there was a stigma attached with being handicapped. In folklores and in a feudal society there was always a negative derogatory image attached with the handicapped, therefore today the handicapped are finding it difficult to assert themselves as equal people.
tariqz

I fully agree with Dutta Saheb. Being disabled, I feel it is a chllenge to prove that we are in no way less able to do things. Sometimes we find ourselves doing more than what other so-called healthy persons do b`coz they have an edge over physically handicapped persons thus no need to prove themselves in physical abilities. I feel proud of myself that I am capable enough & I hate making excuses on part of illnesses.