Not sympathy but recognition

They are striving to achieve what the public think impossible. Their disabilities have never deterred their dreams. The Social Justice Day celebrations organised by the state government in Kozhikode on Thursday hosted a unique gathering of differently abled.

31-year-old mentally challenged Maneesha has made achievements in entrepreneurship among the differently abled group. She has received national awards for her entrepreneurship initiatives.

She began rearing rabbits in 2013 after getting training from the agriculture knowledge centre. Within two years, her life changed. Now, Maneesha earns Rs. 20,000 per month from rabbit rearing.

“She didn’t cry when she was born. She didn’t show any childish habits. She couldn’t do her basic needs even at the age of 10. Though she was admitted to a special school, we couldn’t see any improvement in her. Now, we are happy that she found her area of interest,” say her parents.

14-year-old Kanmani from Mavelikkara has proved that she does not need two hands and legs to succeed. She is making disability as her strength.

She had shown her ability to sing from her childhood. She has now grown as a professional singer. Now, she earns at least Rs. 30, 000 per event. She has performed at least 200 music concerts so far. Kanmani also paints well. She has made more than 100 paintings.

They say they do not need sympathy, all they want is recognition.