FAMIDA-The Wonder Girl

FAMIDA- THE WONDER

(Born to a Doctor Couple Famida was weighing less than 2-kilos. Not only that- she can not sit or walk and cannot speak. Her Parents though very much upset decided that they should help her daughter what is humanly possible including the best medical attention. Since both are Doctors they started physio- therapy treatment within few days. They appointed a Teacher for Physio-therapy for speech. The result in due course of time paid rich dividends. - Famida soon won many gold medals in Dance, Painting and Sports.)


When Dr. Rashida heard that the child that she delivered beautiful girl is weighing only one and half kilos and that she is mentally impaired, cannot crawl, sit or walk she was dazed. Dr Rashida was doing birth control operation to a patient – when she felt some pain. She was carrying and passing through 7Th month. She was admitted in a nearby hospital where this thing happened.

Soon she recovered from the shock, both she and her husband also a Doctor decided that they should give to this child the best things in life including best medical attention both by themselves and by external agencies. There is no point in crying and desperate- they thought and realized that it is going to be a challenge.

Physio- therapy exercise started for the child Famitha from one month onwards through
an experienced Specialist. The progress was dead slow. At the age of 1- they saw a slight progress. They saw movement in the leg whenever some songs are played.
It took 5-years- when the girl started to walk. She started to eat using her hand at the age of 6. At 9 – she was given dancing exercises. Seeing the interest of the girl in dancing.

She was taught regular dance. The parents saw some drawings the girl made and admitted her to Arts and Painting Institute. The girl was given Physiotherapy in Speech. The girl responded well. The hard efforts put by the parents and the girl did not go as waste. Soon the girl started to win and bring prizes in painting, dancing and in sports. During this trying period the parents saw the determination, courage and intelligence of their daughter. Like them the girl also took up the challenge and ready to face the world as normal girls are doing.

The girl started to speak and write. She passed Aerobics and Drawing examinations. At
the age of 21 the girl took up teacher job at the Institute of Mentally retarded and hearing impaired. She started to learn Cooking from her mother She is able to dress herself suitable to particular occasion.

Famitha’s efforts drew the attention of the Govt of India and she was awarded President medal for best Achievers in 2001. She performed dance program at Kansas City, USA. She participated in Special Olympics at North Carolina- USA and won many gold medals. She also won bronze medal in World Poster Competition. Her achievements are continuing. When interviewed the girl’s Parents told that they realized that their responsibility is greater than the child to make is progress is. They were not ashamed or disheartened.

They allowed the child to mingle with other normal children by inviting them at regular intervals for a party. They made them to sing and dance and give them presents through the girl- thereby creating a bond of love and affection.
Never they criticized the girl for bad performance or for acts not normal They took the girl to cinemas, music and dance performances and created a feeling in the mind of the girl that she is as normal as any other girl. This attitude of the parents created tremendous impact on the girl.

The Girl to day acknowledges the tremendous efforts put up by her Parents and with tears the girl say that they are her God. Whenever I used to go to Madras I often meet similar girl residing in the same compound of my brother-in-law’s flat. I used to narrate the examples of girl like Famitha to her and her parents. I told them that apart from prayer and other physical efforts some more efforts are needed for the girl to become normal. Recently when I visited Madras I saw very good progress of the girl. Famitha has really done wonders not only for her but also
for others.

Analysis:
In many of my case studies I am emphasizing that handicap is not the body but mind.
Famitha’s case confirms my conviction. It is misfortune that some people face such
situations. Instead of brooding over it they should work hard along with the child to put he/ her in normal course. God will reward such people with hidden talents.

· World is not lost by misfortune.
· Parents need redoubled efforts.
· Conducive environment must be created.
· Talents within must be appreciated and encouraged.
I

R.Jagannathan