Brushing disability aside, she paints picture of hope : Allahabad

Days like 'international women's day' are a gimmick suited to the urban populace as hardly any women in rural India would know or be interested to know about a day dedicated exclusively to them. So says a differently-abled woman of Sangam city, Sarita Dwivedi.

On the occasion of International Women's Day (March 8), TOI talked to Sarita, whose both hands and right leg had to be amputated at the tender age of 6 after she was electrocuted by an 11000-watt high-tension wire. This talented girl grew up not only become self-reliant but is the winner of various eminent awards of the country besides being a talented painter, expert in sewing, handicrafts, clay modeling, ironing etc. She is presently pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts from Allahabad University learning painting, clay modelling and various other art forms, not just surprising people but also inspiring them.

Today she is self reliant not only in terms of fulfilling her household duties but has also won a large numbers of awards, including two Bal Shree awards, National award for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, Godfrey Phillips national bravery award and first International award from the embassy of Arab republic of Egypt of Egyptian Ministry of culture.

"I had always wanted people to know me as a talented artist and not for the disability I suffer with because it hardly poses any difficulty in my routine life", said Sarita. For the woman fraternity, the brave girl feels that although every year people celebrate International Women's Day, women are subjected to domestic violence, rape, eve-teasing and other such. "People should respect women as if every day is women's day," says the talented Sarita. Those at the helm of affairs should make women more educated and aware so that they come to know their rights. "Those in the urban cities are much aware but do we think the same for women who stay in rural areas," she said.

"We as parents are worried for her as besides her physical challenges, two sisters and her brother have yet to get settled. We feel proud when she receives various awards but we would be happier when someone would come forward to sponsor her painting and cost of her studies, said Vimla Devi her mother. "I am so proud to be known as the mother of Sarita", she added.

"We are proud to be the classmates of Sarita as her paintings are adored everywhere and her disability never comes to our minds as she helps us so much. What better example of courage, could there be than Sarita," said Soni Tripathi.


Source : TOI , Allahabad (  8th March 2013 )