Handicap Only the Body but Not in Mind

HANDICAP IS ONLY THE BODY NOT THE MIND

(Struck by Polio the child - Varathakutty lost the sensitivity of both the legs. Undaunted he crawled to School and came out first in his school in School final examination. He continued his study and finished B.Com in first class. Due to his handicap-State Bank refused him job in spite of his passing the interview. But he finished his C.A.He was awarded Doctorate by Italian University and today he is well-known Auditor and Public figure in Chennai)


Born in a Vaishnavite Iyengar family young Varuthu’s father –Sri T.P Srenivasachary –
was a scholar in Vedanta and working at Kanchi Vardarajaswamy temple. He and his
grand parents encouraged Varuthukutty to forget about his handicap and face the world
boldly by concentrating in his studies and make up the loss. Varuthu learnt the famous Tamil Vedam-Nalayiram Divya Prabhandam by heart. His friends and brother gave him helping hand. When he was studying for the degree course his friends did a yeomen
service by taking him in Electric Train to college and bringing back Childhood passed normally for Varuthu-thanks to his families who were all very sympathetic to him. They encouraged him to forget his handicap and move normally and cultivate mental strength. His friends were also did the samething.

In spite of tall talks- Public still looked the handicapped persons at a low level only. But Dr. Radhakrishnan-who was President of India at that time helped this boy to pay his school fees from his own salary. Many people helped him to get scholarship upto his CA class.

This is the first Turning Point in his life.

When he finished his degree exam- many private companies refused him job-pointing out
his handicap. Even the State Bank of India refused him the job in spite of Medical
certificate. When he was knocking the doors of many Auditors in Chennai they all refused to take him as their junior. It was Auditor P.V. Vijayaraghavan who boldly took him as his junior. He gave lot of encouragement and hope for this young junior. This is the Second Turning Point.

Varuthu got married in 1980 at Tirupathi. She helped him in his daily activities including the Lion’s club in which he was Secretary and an important member.
This is the Third Turning Point

Now let us look what Varuthu has achieved:

He organized a procession of all handicapped persons to travel in their 3-wheeler from Kanyakumari to Chennai and formed District level handicapped Association to lookafter the interests of its members. This event created awareness among public that handicapped persons are also human beings and normal in all other aspects.
He helped to provide three wheelers to thousands of handicapped persons. He was an
important member of Exnora- a movement for Clean City-clean environment.

He was President of Rotary Club-District 3230 and also became the Co-Chairman. He
was appointed a member of the Government body of Handicapped Association and
Adviser for the rehabilitation of handicapped people’ organization.

The Chief Minister - Dr. Jayalalitha, awarded him the title of Change Makers.

Many titles poured in for Varuthu. Varuthu-not only well-settled in life but also helping lakhs of handicapped persons to earn a decent living. He was selected as one among 100- Achievers in this century by Dinamani – magazine. He is also editing the magazine for handicapped persons- Udavikkaram.

Analysis:

Handicap is not a hindrance for anyone if he is willing to forget it and face the challenge Boldly. Varuthu’s determination to study well and qualify to face the world with authority made him to achieve his aspirations. His family members and friends helped him in this task. They showed that sympathy is not only in words but also in action.

Varuthu – not satisfied with his own success- helped similar persons to earn decent
living.
· Handicap is not in mind.
· Strong will and determination-path for success.
· Help yourself and help others.
· Sympathy not in words but in action.

Varathakutty is a standing example of how determination and overcoming deformities and obstacles can lead to success and achievement.