Governor Shukla enables 100% differently abled siblings living in remote Himachal village to walk

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has brought a ray of hope in the lives of two severely differently abled siblings living in a remote village in Solan district. Anita (18) and her brother Sunil (21), who are 100% differently abled due to cerebral palsy since birth, were given battery-operated wheelchairs by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross.

The siblings live in Panjani village located in Mamligh sub-tehsil, where their family has faced a lot of challenges due to their condition. Anita and Sunil’s father Baburam works as a daily wage laborer in Kunihar, making it difficult to meet the needs of the family. Their mother Beena Devi said that both the children are unable to walk or speak since birth and are limited to sitting in one place. Living in a remote area and battling poverty, the family was unable to provide even basic education or medical aid to the siblings.

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Their situation came to light when Professor Ajay Srivastava, chairman of Umang Foundation, informed the governor about the severe disability of the siblings. He appealed to donate battery-operated wheelchairs to improve their living standards. Governor Shukla, known for his sensitivity towards underprivileged communities, responded promptly and directed the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross to provide two automated wheelchairs.

This act of kindness has brought immense relief and happiness to the family. Expressing gratitude, Bina Devi said, “I never imagined that my children would receive such a big gift, especially during Diwali. Now they will be able to roam around in the flat area near our house.”

The family’s difficulties go beyond the children’s disability. Despite being classified below the poverty line (BPL), they have not received an Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) card, forcing them to buy ration at higher rates. Baburam and Bina also have another son, who is currently looking for a job after completing Class 12.

According to Sanjeev Sharma, Assistant Secretary of the State Red Cross, this is not the first time Governor Shukla has extended a helping hand to the disabled. Earlier, he has gifted around 20 battery-operated wheelchairs to severely disabled persons from BPL families across the state. This recent donation continues his commitment to assist the most vulnerable members of society.

Red Cross officials Virendra Bisht, Professor Shrivastava, Vinod Yogacharya, Rajesh Kashyap of Umang Foundation and local social worker Sohanlal Parihar presented the wheelchairs to Anita and Sunil, who visited the family at their home.

This heartwarming move by Governor Shukla not only brought much-needed relief to the family but also underlined the importance of providing assistance to disabled persons living in rural and deprived areas.

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