Hats off to strong will of a handicap teacher!

Sahjapur, MP, Sep 14 (UNI) A 43-year-old physically handicap teacher received National Teacher's Award from President Pratibha Patil on the occasion of Teacher's Day recently and proved that being handicap could not come in the way of a strong-willed person.

Ms Patil came off the stage to greet Mr Verma, who was stricken with a physical handicap of both arms and one leg since birth. She said Mr Verma had defeated his handicap with his strong will power.

Appointed as an assistant teacher about 15 years back, Mr Verma told UNI here that he decided to not let his handicap come in his way when he saw normal children completing their tasks with ease.

He started performing various activities, including eating, writing, shaving and cooking, normally by using his sole limb as a result of intense practice.

He paid special attention towards studies and completed M Com, MLB and BEd with first division. Later, he also got a job.

Mr Verma said he was conferred with the 'Most Skilled Physically Handicapped Employee' in 1998 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. So far, he had received 15 prizes.

He asserted that physically handicapped people had a strong mind that could it overcome disabilities. However, support of parents, family and society was important. Collector Rajendra Sharma said Mr Verma is a role model for disabled.

UNI