This article appeared in The Phoenix on October 27, 2007...
You may have seen the wonderful movie, “My Left Foot,” featuring an Oscar-winning
performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. He brilliantly portrayed Irish writer and painter
Christy Brown, who happened to suffer from Cerebral Palsy, and literally could only use his left
foot to paint or hold a pencil.
Well, there happens to be another such remarkable situation currently happening in India
Pankaj Mahato, age 14, is also a renowned writer and artist, using his feet to accomplish not only
his artistic works, but also everyday tasks such as dressing and feeding himself. He, like Christy
Brown, also has Cerebral Palsy.
Pankaj’s parents sought treatment for his disability as a child, but have since accepted their son
as being just as “normal” as anyone else. He just does things differently than most people.
Disability in India, a different culture, has different implications than let’s say, having a physical
challenge in America. Pankaj has not only graced an entire country with his talent, he has taught
others in India that one can achieve remarkable things, if one doesn’t give up hope.
He has become a sensation in India, and many of his artworks and literary works are very
popular. His parents are hoping for the Indian government to assist their son with his needs, as
they are poor, like many of India’s population.
The hope his extraordinary talents and
determination will not only continue to grow personally, but inspire others in India as well.
The Department of Veteran Affairs recently issued a report which stated that 1 in 5 of our brave
soldiers who return from both Iraq and Afghanistan have applied for disability benefits. They
report that approximately 100.000 soldiers have applied for benefits thus far, with projections as
high as 400,000 if casualties continue to mount.
Benefits range from a few hundred dollars a month to over $1.000. The most common
disabilities of soldiers returning from duty include back pain, mental disorders
(especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), amputations, and other “service related” ailments
such as worsening of diabetes and heart disease.
Hopefully, our soldiers will get the financial benefits they deserve after serving our country with
dignity and bravery. But hopefully the readjustment to civilian life, with a disability, will not be
ignored as well. Things such as job training and accessibility to special needs should be a given,
not something our soldiers should worry about or get tangled in governmental red tape
Many of our soldiers are young, with so much of life ahead. Let’s hope our country will support
their devotion and dedication by making the adjustment an easier process, not a difficult one, as
our Vietnam veterans can attest.
It was a great honor and pleasure to attend the recent Book Fair at the Phoenixville Library. I met
many wonderful readers and fellow writers. It’s nice to hear that people enjoy the column and
want it to continue. Many thanks to the Library for asking me to attend, and special thanks to
everyone for coming out to say hello.
Finally, I was lucky enough to attend the recent Philadelphia Eagles games versus the dreaded
New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. Both great games (although the Dallas game was better,
since the Eagles pulled out a thrilling victory).
I took the subway into the stadium area, and must comment how impressed I was by SEPTA. It
was the first subway ride in my life, a new experience. The ride was smooth and the stations
accessible, with SEPTA workers very friendly and accommodating.
Many times we read negative things about our local transit system. In this case, SEPTA has done
a fine job in helping people like myself, who happen to get around on wheels, to travel much
easier.
Go Eagles!
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