Sabitha Monis who comes
from a remote and rural village from Belthangady, Karnataka, India was born without
hands due to a genetic deformity. The positive spirited and determined woman
who walked alone for 1.5 miles daily to college did not allow her conditions to
deprive her from her scholarly ambitions. She uses her legs to do almost
anything that we use our hands for including using the computers, handphone, writing,
reading, drinking or even when she needs to exercise her rights, she votes
using her toes.
During her primary
school years while the other classmates were using their hands she just used
her legs to write for the exam and turned out first in the class. Looking at
her educational performance, Dr. Mohan Alva of the Alva Educational Trust,
Moodbidri was extremely kind enough to provide her with free higher education. She
completed her education as far as Ph.D. in Social Work.
Sabitha a recipient of
state Rajyotsava award also expresses her gratitude and success owing to
another philanthropist, Dr. Appa Swamy Gowda who is based in America. Dr Appa
was moved by her courage and determination established contact with her family to
financially support her in any endeavor. Her gratitude includes a mention of Mangalore
University that allowed her additional time of 30 minutes in view of her condition
during exam.
The inspiring woman
who works as a Student Welfare Officer at Alva’s college says, “Nothing is
impossible. It is our mindset that makes us feel that we are not able to
achieve anything. We make much of our pain and sorrow. Instead, if we face it
courageously, we can face life and challenge it.”
Sabitha’s story should
encourage anyone who amidst facing obstacles in life to not easily succumb to
the condition without giving a full fight and to have the will of iron, confidence and courage
to meet the problems in the eye. In another words, never allowing limitation or hardships
to come in the way of your ambitions. As the saying goes, when the going gets
tough, the tough gets going.
CONTRIBUTION
Daijiworld.com
Henry Lewis - Mangalorean.com
“She voted with her
toe” – Kevin Mendonsa (Times of India)
Jana Melpolder – Openequalfree
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