The Standpoint

EMPOWERING THE LESS FORTUNATE

By

Nirmita Kochhar

“Strength does not come from physical capacity...it comes from an indomitable will”

This quote by Mahatma Gandhi has definitely found a living example in Mr. Rajinder Johar. An ex-occupational therapist at King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, Johar was rendered a quadriplegic (quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs) due to a gunshot of miscreants on 30^th march 1986. The then 37 yr old was at the peak of his career when the mishap struck and shattered his world. Being a therapist, he knew he could not be cured in his entire lifetime.

At 63yrs he recalls the traumatic incident like a bad dream. And from what he has done and achieved now, you can certainly call those 6 traumatic years a bad dream which eventually gave way to another. But unlike the first one this dream was enriched with hope and incessant ambition of setting up a voluntary organisation to serve the disabled fraternity. This dream came alive in the form of Family of Disabled in 1992, with the blessings of reverend Mother Teresa.

The journey of these 17 yrs has not been smooth and easy but definitely full of achievements and satisfaction, visible from the shining sherry-coloured eyes of the proud FOD founder, when he talks about its success. Winner of awards like Manav Seva, Red and White Bravery Award, Ramakrishna Jaidayal Harmony Award, Helen Keller Award, CNN-IBN Citizen Journalist Award, National Award, among others Johar, who has spent 23 years of his life being bedridden, is nothing less then an inspiration.

He has lightened the lives and homes of many disabled people through the self employment programme of FOD called Apna Rozgar Scheme (ARS), already having more then 450 beneficiaries to its credit.

Another innovative project taken up by this NGO is The Voice…, a magazine dedicated to disabled fraternity with a mission of filling the void created due to the non-availability of any such literature for the differently abled in India. Being the first magazine on this subject The Voice…has successfully created a niche for itself with readers throughout India and abroad.

FOD also organises a painting exhibition for displaying the artworks made by the disabled people once a year which fetches them both fame and money. The NGO also provides aids and appliances to the needy disabled people. Gyan Path, the educational programme of FOD sponsors schooling and higher education of disabled students and wards of disabled parents. Excursions and trips are also organized for the disabled people.

Family of Disabled also organises workshop-cum-training centers for helping the disabled to explore and enhance their skills. But all this has been possible by the undying spirit and efforts of the founder who has managed the organization so effectively and efficiently to help it achieve the level of success it enjoys now. We wish the “Family” and Mr. Johar good luck in their future endeavours.