Being differently abled is never a hindrance for Swaraswati. Despite being polio struck she has scaled all heights of success and is working as Academic Manager at Mobility India, a Bangalore-based disability and development organisation. Along with Swaraswati, the Jaipur footwork unit at Mobility India is run by women who are differently abled. It has been yet another feat which needs to be looked up, and they provide a ray of hope for differently abled people.
In 1999 after finishing her Bachelors in Commerce, she learned from a friend about Mobility India. Swaraswati, a resident of Mahalakshmi Layout appeared for the interview and was given the post of office assistant. Speaking to dna, Swaraswati said: "It was a very difficult journey. I hardly got any moral support from my family. Apart from the leg and hip contraction I also had scoliosis. When I told my parents about a surgery, my father was never supportive, but at Mobility India I saw a person walking with prosthesis after a surgery, I decided that I should also go for the same surgery."
"I was consulting one orthopedic specialist in Bangalore and in April 2001 I underwent the surgery. For about one year I was on treatment. But, I did not give up my job and I also pursued my Post-graduate diploma in Business Administration and MBA in Human Resource and Finance. Meanwhile, I was promoted as a librarian and academic secretary. I learnt about book-keeping from my colleague. I am also pursuing Library Science course. Now I have been promoted to Academic Manager," she further added.
Swaraswati is also involved in the staff welfare association. She is keen to give civil service exams and NET.
Latha T, though confined to wheelchair is doing equally well. She is a resident of Banshankari and is working with the Jaipur footwork unit at Mobility India for the past 10 years. She said: "I have studied till first PUC after which I started working. The unit where I work is customised to our needs and it is run by women only. We prepare the Jaipur foots which is available at cheaper price and are also exported to other countries. The work is satisfying and I help my family financially."
Meanwhile, working in the same unit for 12 years is Daya Suvarna. Following polio attack she walks with the help of crutches. She says: "I feel happy when I see some people who can walk with the help of jaipur foots prepared by us. We also give training to freshers. Meanwhile, I support my mother financially."
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