Suitable example for ''where there is a will, there is a way''

Rajkot, Sep 3 (UNI) Positive attitude and determination to succeed can overcome any physical disability and Hasmukh Deliwala alias Gypsy has proved it by becoming a magician despite being blind.

Fifty-two-year-old Deliwala was a small-time industrialist dealing in business of plastic wares in Umargaon, till he fell off a moving train and lost his eyesight in October 1985 in Mumbai.

Speaking to UNI, Mr Deliwala said despite six eye surgeries, he could not regain his vision due to extensive damage in the retina.

He said he was always interested in magic and decided to pursue it, knowing fully that the task was herculean being a handicap.

''To fool the people with vision is different compared to performing sleight of hand without vision. I was aware that it was a difficult job, but I did it,'' he said.

A native of Amreli, he had gone to Mumbai in 1982 and started business of plastic wares with five people in Umargaon till he lost his vision.

After the accident he moved to Rajkot and met late Mohammed Hasam Chania, a magician who trained him.

''When I started, I faltered but over the years with practice and perseverance I gained confidence,'' he added.

He said his wife Yasodhara and assistant Salim had helped him a lot during stage shows.

Till date, he has performed nearly 1,500 shows.

Asked if he received any assistance from the government, he said he had written letters to the Union HRD Ministry and the Gujarat government, but did not get any response.

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