Against odds: Kid fights disability to attend school

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006 (Hyderabad):


Ranga Prasad's face is a reflection of the dignified acceptance of his physical condition.

The 12-year-old has a neurospinal condition because of which he spends all his time standing in school.

Even though he cannot sit on a bench, he never misses school if he can help it.

"Unlike the other children, he is very focussed on his studies. We feel with a little help, he can really do something in his life," said Venu, teacher.

Few privilegesHelp Ranga Prasad

But getting to school is not easy for the class VII student. His sister Jyotsna has to push the wheelchair for three km on a track full of potholes.

"I often think how nice it would be if I could also ride a bicycle like the other boys,'' said Ranga.

"It is not easy at all but I want my brother to study and make his life," said Jyotsna, Ranga's sister.

It is the care, concern and patience of a loving family that has given Ranga Prasad a chance to enjoy at least the few privileges he has, like going to school.

Positive attitude

His parents, who work as daily labourers, are determined not to take the easy option of letting him drop out of school.

"We both are illiterate. But at least our children should go to school. Otherwise what will his future be?" said Venkatratnam, Prasad's mother.

With hardly any help from either the government or civil society, it is the positive attitude of the family that has kept them going. But sometimes it is difficult to keep up the bravado.

Ranga Prasad says he wants to become a doctor when he grows up and give children like him a normal life.

Help Ranga Prasad :-

Master Ranga Prasad
S/O B Satyanarayna
Guruvelipeta village
Mandalavali Mandalam
Singanapudi Post
Krishna District
Andhra Pradesh – 521326
Bank Account Details
Bank : State Bank of India
Account holder : Bagathi Satyanarayna/Ranga Prasad
Account Number : 011 700 71359