TODAY'S PAPER » IN SCHOOL
CHENNAI, December 13, 2012Making waves with Ripples….
Exclusive Homes@Chennai - 4BHK Ultra Luxury Apartments @ "The Gardenia" in Anna Nagarwww.ozonegroup.com/gardenia
Notes of a popular Tamil song greet you as you enter the venue. The crooners are a group of boys from the St. Louis Orchestra of the Blind. The dais next to the swimming pool is abuzz with activity as volunteers prepare themselves, anticipating the chief guest’s arrival. A few participants in the water glide gently past you. It is only when those graceful swimmers get out of the pool do you realize that they are missing something. And that missing element is not a smile.
At the Velachery Aquatic Complex, the 12{+t}{+h}edition of the National Paralympics Swimming and Water Polo competitions has just concluded. More than 300 swimmers from 18 states participated in this experience. The event was organized by Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamilnadu (PSATN) and the Paralympic Swimming Federation of India (PSFI) in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamilnadu (SDAT) and aptly titled ‘Ripples 2012’
When Madhavi Latha, founder of the Yes We Too Can movement for the differently-abled came up with idea of conducting the event a year ago, her father warned her that she was taking a heavy burden upon her shoulders. Yet that did not faze this plucky woman.
This year, for the first time ever the PSATN of which Madhavi is the General Secretary, successfully hosted the paralympic swimming event in Chennai. Timely help was extended by IIT-Madras, which provided accommodation, and Scope International Pvt. Ltd. which extended volunteering support.
“Swimming is a comprehensive exercise. I can easily move my limbs under water which would otherwise be difficult for me to do on the ground,” says Madhavi who is 80% physically-challenged due to poliomyelitis. “Sports is the best way to motivate the differently-abled. When they participate in sporting events, they are active and feel that they too are a member of the society,” she adds.
“Hydrotherapy (use of water to relieve stress or pain) is based on the simple concept that once your body is submerged in water, its weight reduces. Moving your limbs becomes easier and helps you to work your muscles which otherwise cannot be done out of water,” says physiotherapist Ananda Jothi, the Technical director of PSATN.
10-year old Mayuri, the sole representative in the sub-junior (below 15) category from Tamilnadu, was recommended hydrotherapy by her doctor. She now swims everyday and on this particular day is the proud owner of three medals at the event.
Yet, awareness, let alone encouragement, is evidently an issue. “Parents of differently-abled kids must encourage their children to participate in these events. My parents had a rural background and were not aware of such a therapy. My main aim is to create awareness among parents,” says Madhavi. And awareness she did create since she took up this initiative in 2011.
From a mere 4 member team representing Tamilnadu in 2011, there were 19 members in this edition of the Paralympics, with West Bengal having the largest contingent of paralympians (more than a 100).
Almost 95 people appeared for the trials in November from Tamilnadu, from which these 19 were short-listed to represent the state.
So what would be the next step in this movement after the resounding success of Ripples? “Someday I wish to start a sports school for the differently-abled with coaches specifically trained to teach them and the right infrastructure to assist them.” says Madhavi.
Creating awareness, garnering support for the movement and promoting inclusive infrastructure for the differently-abled in public spaces will be Madhavi’s agenda in the near future even as she makes plans for the next meet in Banglore. As you make way through the crowd of participants cheering the organizers toward the end of the celebration, you are assured that the ‘Ripples’ effect will make waves soon.
http://www.thehindu.com/
TODAY'S PAPER » SPORT
CHENNAI, November 6, 2012National Paralympics swimming meet
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The National Paralympics Swimming and Water Polo Championships for men and women will be held at the SDAT Aquatic Stadium at Velachery here between December 7 and 9.
The event, titled ‘Ripples 2012,’ is hosted by the Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu (PSATN) under the aegis of the Paralympic Swimming Federation of India.
The swimming events will be held on December 7 and 8, while the water polo competition will take place on December 9.
The championships will be held in three categories: seniors (19 years & above), juniors (15-18+ years), and sub-juniors (below 15 years).
The swimmers will be classified into seven disability classes: S1 to S5, SD — locomotion impaired (physical impairment such as Polio, Amputation, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy); S11- visually impaired (partially and fully).
The trials for participants from Tamil Nadu will be held on November 11 at the SDAT Aquatic Stadium (Velachery) at 9 a.m.
Applications, along with medical certificates, can be submitted on the same day. Applications can be downloaded from www.ywtc.org. — Sports Reporter
Hopes for that victory lap
TODAY'S PAPER » FEATURES » METRO PLUS September 19, 2012
September 19, 201
EVENT Ripples Chennai 2012, the national swimming competition for the differently abled, hopes to create champs
The last time the National Paralympic Swimming and Water Polo Competition was held at Kolhapur in Maharashtra in 2011, only four of the 400-odd differently-abled participants were from Tamil Nadu. But the upcoming 12th edition of this competition to be held in December at the SDAT Aquatic Complex in Velachery is likely to see a more substantial participation from Tamil Nadu. That is because the Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu (PSATN), which has worked hard to bring this event to the city, has also undertaken an ambitious programme to introduce and train differently-abled persons for such competitions.
Dubbed Ripples Chennai 2012 , this competition has the authorisation of the National Paralympic Committee of India, and the winners at the event will be eligible to participate in international swimming competitions.
Fabulous impact
At first glance, the idea of promoting swimming among the physically challenged sounds a trifle incongruous. “All our ancient civilisations – Indian, Egyptian and Chinese — made use of swimming and hydrotherapy (exercises in water) for the physical and mental well-being of differently-abled persons. It is only somewhere down the line that swimming became an alien concept,” says Ananda Jothi, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist, technical director, PSATN, and also the official physiotherapist and chief medical classifier on the Paralympics Committee of India.
Roughly, eight to 10 per cent of our population is physically challenged. In fact, one of the reasons for the PSATN to bring Ripples 2012 to Chennai was to create awareness among both the challenged people as well as policy makers about the fabulous impact that swimming and water sports has on the differently-abled. While swimming, the water bears the body’s weight and balance allowing for free movement of the limbs, which would not have been possible on land.
“We can’t exercise otherwise, so swimming is a must for us. It is one of the few activities that lets us experience the euphoria of taking part in a sport. Normally, people are afraid of water; more so in the case of those who are challenged. But swimming can be learnt easily and prove to be a life-saving health routine. I want people such as me to start thinking, ‘Yes, we too can’,” says Madhavi Latha, general secretary, PSATN. Incidentally, Madhavi bagged three gold medals and the individual championship in the Severely Disabled Category at the 11th National Paralympic Swimming Competition. She has polio and moves about in a wheel chair.
“Through this event, we also hope to initiate the building of the requisite pool infrastructure, so that more and more physically challenged people can take up swimming,” mentions Sai Krishnan, joint secretary, PSATN, and a two time International Abilympics champion in photography.
For instance, pool infrastructure in the city needs introspection. How does a person in the wheelchair get into the pool in the first place? Pools should put up pool lifts and ramps, which are standard fixtures abroad. PSATN also nurtures a dream of setting up a sports school for the differently-abled, on the lines of Israel’s Sports Centre for the Differently-Abled, which has in place a comprehensive swimming programme that includes special coaches, physiotherapists, equipment and infrastructure.
Pitch in to help or learn
PSATN is now going all hog to make Ripples 2012 a game changer for the physically challenged in the State. It has obtained 50 per cent concession from the government for using the Corporation pool at Shenoy Nagar for its training programme. While the State government’s Departments for Sports and Welfare of Differently-Abled persons are extending their support to the event, IIT-Madras has pitched in to take care of accommodation of the expected 500-odd Paralympic participants from across the nation. Standard Chartered Scope International and Kences Constructions too are helping with some arrangements. But more support is required, considering the massive scale of the event.
“We earnestly request corporates and the socially-minded to support us,” says Madhavi. PSATN also welcomes more physically challenged persons (including those who are visually challenged) to make use of its training programme and discover the joy and benefits of swimming.
(Those interested can mail paraswimtn@yahoo.in or SMS 98416-09601)
People Magazine - October'12 Edition
- Published in DECCANHERALD news Paper on 08-09-2012.
My Story in Journal Disability management and Special Education
Kungumam Thozhi Tamil Monthly-September 2012 edition
ANANDA VIKATAN
Interview of Madhavi Latha published in ANANDA VIKATAN magazine dt. 31-08-2011.
Nilacharal
A web magazine in Tamil Dt. 05-09-2011.
Audio Interview of Madhavi Latha given to Nilacharal. [Part - 1 ].
மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கோர் உந்து சக்தி - சாதனையாளர் மாதவி லதாவுடன் ஒரு தொலை நேர்காணல் (1)
- யஷ்
உங்கள் கருத்துகள்நண்பருக்கு அனுப்பபிரதி எடுக்க
சார்ட்டட் அக்கவுண்டில் உலகத்தர சான்றிதழ்களைப் பெற்றிருக்கும் மாதவி தன்னுடைய ஆளுமைத்திறன் வளர்ச்சிக்கு தான் வாசித்த எண்ணிலடங்கா நூல்களே காரணம் என்கிறார்.ஆந்திராவில் உள்ள கம்மம் மாவட்டத்தில் ஒரு சிறிய கிராமத்தில் பிறந்தவர் மாதவி லதா. 'Yes we too can' என்ற தன்னுடைய அபாரமான திட்டத்தின் மூலம் மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் மற்றும் மன வளர்ச்சியற்றவர்களுக்கு விளையாட்டுத்துறையின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை உணர்த்தி, விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்தி வருகிறார். அவரை நிலாச்சாரல் வாசக வட்டத்தினிடையே கொண்டு செல்லும் பொருட்டு அலைபேசி மூலம் தொடர்பு கொண்டோம்.
ஆந்திராவின் பின் தங்கிய ஒரு கிராமத்தில் பிறந்த மாதவி தன் ஏழாவது மாதத்திலேயே போலியோவினால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டார். ஆனபோதிலும், மனம் தளராமல், நன்கு பயின்று, வாழ்க்கை தந்த கடும் போராட்டங்களையெல்லாம் வென்றெடுத்து, இன்று 'ஸ்டாண்டர்ட் சார்டர்ட் ஸ்கோப் இண்டர்னேஷனல்' எனும் நிறுவனத்தில் தலைமை மேலாளராகப் பணிபுரிந்து வருகிறார்.
நீச்சல் போட்டியில் கலந்து கொண்டு "Most encouraging sport person" என்னும் விருதையும் வென்றவர் இவர். மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்காக விளையாட்டுப் பயிலகம் ஒன்றை நடத்தி வருகிறார்.
சார்ட்டட் அக்கவுண்டில் உலகத்தர சான்றிதழ்களைப் பெற்றிருக்கும் மாதவி தன்னுடைய ஆளுமைத்திறன் வளர்ச்சிக்கு தான் வாசித்த எண்ணிலடங்கா நூல்களே காரணம் என்கிறார். புத்தக வாசிப்பு நம்மை நமக்கு அடையாளம் காட்டும் என்று புளகாங்கிதம் அடைகிறார்.
யாரையும் சார்ந்திரா தன்மையை வளர்த்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருக்கும் மாதவி அதற்கென பிரத்யேக செயல்களில் ஈடுபடுவது தன்னுடைய தன்னம்பிக்கையை வெகுவாக அதிகரிக்கிறது என்கிறார். வாகனம் ஓட்டப் பழகி யாருடைய துணையுமின்றி முதன்முறையாக ஊரைச் சுற்றி வரும்போது அடைந்த மகிழ்ச்சிக்கு அளவேயில்லை என குதூகலிக்கிறார் அவர்.
நிலாச்சாரல் வாசகர்களுக்காக தம் இதயம் மலர்ந்து அவரளித்த பிரத்யேக தொலை-நேர்காணலைக் கேட்போம்.. வாருங்கள் அன்பர்களே..
யஷ் அவர்களின் இதர படைப்புகள். நேர்காணல் பகுதியில் வந்த இதர படைப்புகள்.
For listening the interview [ part - 1 ] visit http://www.nilacharal.com/ocms/log/09051113.asp
NILACHARAL
A Tamil Web Magazine dt. 12-09-2011 -
Interview given by Madhavi Latha [ Part - 2 ]
மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கோர் உந்து சக்தி - சாதனையாளர் மாதவி லதாவுடன் ஒரு தொலை நேர்காணல் (2)
- யஷ்
உங்கள் கருத்துகள்நண்பருக்கு அனுப்பபிரதி எடுக்க
சார்ட்டட் அக்கவுண்டில் உலகத்தர சான்றிதழ்களைப் பெற்றிருக்கும் மாதவி தன்னுடைய ஆளுமைத்திறன் வளர்ச்சிக்கு தான் வாசித்த எண்ணிலடங்கா நூல்களே காரணம் என்கிறார்.ஆந்திராவில் உள்ள கம்மம் மாவட்டத்தில் ஒரு சிறிய கிராமத்தில் பிறந்தவர் மாதவி லதா. 'Yes we too can' என்ற தன்னுடைய அபாரமான திட்டத்தின் மூலம் மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் மற்றும் மன வளர்ச்சியற்றவர்களுக்கு விளையாட்டுத்துறையின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை உணர்த்தி, விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்தி வருகிறார். அவரை நிலாச்சாரல் வாசக வட்டத்தினிடையே கொண்டு செல்லும் பொருட்டு அலைபேசி மூலம் தொடர்பு கொண்டோம்.
ஆந்திராவின் பின் தங்கிய ஒரு கிராமத்தில் பிறந்த மாதவி தன் ஏழாவது மாதத்திலேயே போலியோவினால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டார். ஆனபோதிலும், மனம் தளராமல், நன்கு பயின்று, வாழ்க்கை தந்த கடும் போராட்டங்களையெல்லாம் வென்றெடுத்து, இன்று 'ஸ்டாண்டர்ட் சார்டர்ட் ஸ்கோப் இண்டர்னேஷனல்' எனும் நிறுவனத்தில் தலைமை மேலாளராகப் பணிபுரிந்து வருகிறார்.
நீச்சல் போட்டியில் கலந்து கொண்டு "Most encouraging sport person" என்னும் விருதையும் வென்றவர் இவர். மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்காக விளையாட்டுப் பயிலகம் ஒன்றை நடத்தி வருகிறார்.
சார்ட்டட் அக்கவுண்டில் உலகத்தர சான்றிதழ்களைப் பெற்றிருக்கும் மாதவி தன்னுடைய ஆளுமைத்திறன் வளர்ச்சிக்கு தான் வாசித்த எண்ணிலடங்கா நூல்களே காரணம் என்கிறார். புத்தக வாசிப்பு நம்மை நமக்கு அடையாளம் காட்டும் என்று புளகாங்கிதம் அடைகிறார்.
யாரையும் சார்ந்திரா தன்மையை வளர்த்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருக்கும் மாதவி அதற்கென பிரத்யேக செயல்களில் ஈடுபடுவது தன்னுடைய தன்னம்பிக்கையை வெகுவாக அதிகரிக்கிறது என்கிறார். வாகனம் ஓட்டப் பழகி யாருடைய துணையுமின்றி முதன்முறையாக ஊரைச் சுற்றி வரும்போது அடைந்த மகிழ்ச்சிக்கு அளவேயில்லை என குதூகலிக்கிறார் அவர்.
நிலாச்சாரல் வாசகர்களுக்காக தம் இதயம் மலர்ந்து அவரளித்த பிரத்யேக தொலை-நேர்காணலைக் கேட்போம்.. வாருங்கள் அன்பர்களே..
For listening the interview [ Part - 1 and Part - 2 ] please visit AUDIOS page of this Blog.
UDHAVIKKARAM TAMIL MONTHLY -- September , 2011
Interview given by P.Madhavi Latha.
ENAADU
Daily News Paper , Dt. 15-10-2011. Sathupally , Khammam Dt.
ENAADU
Daily News Paper , Dt. 18-10-2011.
ANDHRA JYOTHI
NAMASTHE TELAMGAANAA
TELUGU DAILY Dt. 24-10-2011
భళా’దూర్..!
సత్తుపల్లి, టీ న్యూస్8: ఆత్మస్థైర్యం ముందు అంగవైకల్యం బలాదూర్ అని నిరూపించాడు వెంకటేశన్. తనకు పదేళ్ల వయస్సులో జరిగిన విద్యుత్ ప్రమాదంలో రెండు చేతులూ కోల్పోయినప్పటికీ మొక్కవోని ఆత్మవిశ్వాసంతో చదువుతో పాటు అథ్లెటిక్స్లో రాష్ట్రస్థాయి పతకాలు కైవసం చేసుకున్న ఘనుడు. దారిద్య్రం వెంబడిస్తున్నా మనోధైర్యమే పెట్టుబడిగా లక్ష్యసాధన కోసం పరితపిస్తూ అంగవైకల్యాన్ని సైతం జయించాడు. ఆదివారం సత్తుపల్లి పట్టణంలో పలు స్వచ్ఛంద సేవాసంస్థల ఆధ్వర్యంలో ఏర్పాటుచేసిన కార్యక్రమానికి హాజరయ్యాడు. తమిళనాడు రాష్ట్రం ధర్మపురి జిల్లా ఊడపట్టి గ్రామానికి చెందిన పెరుమాళ్లు, రుక్కు దంపతుల పెద్ద కుమారుడు వెంకటేశన్.
ప్రాథమిక విద్యను ధర్మపురిలో పూర్తిచేశాడు. తనకు పదేళ్ల వయస్సులో ఐదవ తరగతి చదువుతూ తండ్రి పనులకు చేదోడు వాదోడు ఉండేవాడు. గొర్రెలను మేపేందుకు ఒకరోజు చేనుకు వెళ్లి ప్రమాదవశాత్తు హైటెన్షన్ విద్యుత్లైన్ను తాకడంతో తన రెండు చేతులూ కోల్పోయాడు. దీంతో రెండేళ్లపాటు తన చదువు నిలిచిపోయిందంటూ ఆవేదన వ్యక్తం చేశాడు. అయినాగానీ మొక్కవోని ధైర్యంతో అంగవైకల్యాన్ని జయించాలనే తలంపుతో రాయడం, చదవడం, తినడంతో పాటు తన దైనందినిక కార్యక్రమాలను కాళ్లతో చేయడం అలవాటు చేసుకున్నాడు. బీఏ తమిళ్ డిగ్రీని దూరవిద్య ద్వారా అన్నామలై యూనివర్సిటీ ద్వారా పొందిన వెంకటేశన్, బీఈడీ కూడా 83శాతం మార్కులతో చ్న్నైలోనే పూర్తిచేసి ప్రస్తుతం ఎంఈడీ చ్న్నైలోని గవర్నమెంట్ ఇనిస్టిట్యూట్ ఆఫ్ అడ్వాన్స్ స్టడీస్8 ఇన్ ఎడ్యుకేషన్ కొనసాగిస్తున్నాడు. నిరుపేద కుటుంబం నుంచి వచ్చిన వెంకటేశన్ స్కాలర్షిప్లపై ఆధారపడి మాత్రమే ఈ విద్యను కొనసాగిస్తున్నాడు. తన కుటుంబపోషణ కూడా చాలా కష్టంగా ఉండటంతో పిల్లలకు ట్యూషన్లు చెబుతూ కొంత సొమ్మును ఆర్జిస్తున్నట్లు తెలిపాడు.
ప్రభుత్వం తనలాంటి వికలాంగులకు ప్రత్యేక విద్యలో శిక్షణ కల్పిస్తూ ప్రభుత్వ ఉద్యోగం కల్పించాలని కోరుతున్నాడు. సత్తుపల్లి ప్రాంతానికి చెందిన మాధవీలత అంగవైకల్యం జయించి చ్న్నైలోని ఓ ప్రవేటు కంపెనీలో ఆఫీసర్గా ఉద్యోగం చేస్తున్నారు. తన ద్వారానే వెంకటేశన్ సత్తుపల్లికి పరిచయమయ్యాడు. తమిళనాడులో తనకు లభించని ఆదరణ సత్తుపల్లిలో లభించిందంటూ, తనకు ఈ ఆదరణ లభించడానికి కారణమైన మాధవీలతకు ఆయన కృతజ్ఞతలు తెలిపారు.
అబ్బుర పరిచే విన్యాసాలు ఆయన సొంతం...
రెండు చేతులు లేనప్పటికీ వెంకటేషన్ అబ్బురపరిచే విన్యాసాలు చేసి అందరినీ ఆశ్చర్యానికి గురిచేశాడు. వెంకటేశన్ తన పనులన్నీ కాళ్లతోనే చేసుకునేవాడు. బ్రెస్8చేసుకోవడం, టిఫిన్ తినడం, రాయడం, కాళ్లతో పేజీలు తిప్పుతూ చదవడం, స్నానం చేయడం, ఈత కొట్టడం, సైక్లింగ్ చేయడం, నాలుకతో సెల్ఫోన్ ఆపరేట్, లాంగ్జంప్, హైజంప్ లాంటివి అవలీలగా కాళ్లతో చేస్తూ 2009లో మధురైలో ఏర్పాటుచేసిన పోటీల్లో రెండవ స్థానాన్ని కైవసం చేసుకుని సిల్వర్మెడల్ను పొందాడు.
విద్యాభివృద్ధికి తోడ్పాటు కావాలి...
వెంకటేషన్ చదువుకోసం సత్తుపల్లికి చెందిన రోటరీక్లబ్, లయన్స్క్లబ్, లైవ్, కళాభారతి సభ్యులు, సత్తుపల్లి తహసీల్దార్ తాతారావు, జేవీఆర్ ప్రాజెక్టు పీఓ గురవయ్య, విద్యుత్శాఖ ఏడీఈ జీవన్కుమార్, పట్టణ ప్రముఖులు పలువురు రూ.25వేలను ఆర్థ్ధికసహాయంగా అందజేశారు. ఈ సందర్భంగా వెంకటేశన్ను స్పూర్తిగా తీసుకుని సమాజంలో ఉన్నత స్థానాలు అధిరోహించాలని కోరుతూ పట్టణానికి చెందిన పలు స్వచ్ఛంద సంస్థల నిర్వాహకులు, ప్రముఖులు వెంకటేశన్ను ఘనంగా సన్మానించారు.
వెంకటేశన్ దేవుడిచ్చిన బహుమతి...
8వ తరగతి నుంచి కలిసి చదువుకుంటున్నాం. వెంకటేశన్కు పాఠశాలల్లోనూ, బయటా వివిధ రకాలుగా సహాయం చేయడం నాకు మానసిక సంతోషాన్ని ఇస్తుంది. వెంకటేశన్ నాకు దేవుడిచ్చిన బహుమతి లాంటి వాడు. స్నేహానికి మంచి చిరునామా. చదువులో చురుకుగా ఉంటూ ఎన్నో విషయాలను తోటి విద్యార్థులకు నేర్పుతూ ఉంటాడు. ఎదుటివాడిని ఏ మాత్రం బాధపెట్టడం తనకు ఇష్టం ఉండదు. ఇంత మంచి మిత్రుడు నాకు దొరకడం నిజంగా నా అదృష్టం.
-సెల్వం, వెంకటేషన్మిత్రుడు
ENAADU
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011
SAKSHI
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011.
NAMASTHE TELAMGAANAA
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011
ప్రాథమిక విద్యను ధర్మపురిలో పూర్తిచేశాడు. తనకు పదేళ్ల వయస్సులో ఐదవ తరగతి చదువుతూ తండ్రి పనులకు చేదోడు వాదోడు ఉండేవాడు. గొర్రెలను మేపేందుకు ఒకరోజు చేనుకు వెళ్లి ప్రమాదవశాత్తు హైటెన్షన్ విద్యుత్లైన్ను తాకడంతో తన రెండు చేతులూ కోల్పోయాడు. దీంతో రెండేళ్లపాటు తన చదువు నిలిచిపోయిందంటూ ఆవేదన వ్యక్తం చేశాడు. అయినాగానీ మొక్కవోని ధైర్యంతో అంగవైకల్యాన్ని జయించాలనే తలంపుతో రాయడం, చదవడం, తినడంతో పాటు తన దైనందినిక కార్యక్రమాలను కాళ్లతో చేయడం అలవాటు చేసుకున్నాడు. బీఏ తమిళ్ డిగ్రీని దూరవిద్య ద్వారా అన్నామలై యూనివర్సిటీ ద్వారా పొందిన వెంకటేశన్, బీఈడీ కూడా 83శాతం మార్కులతో చ్న్నైలోనే పూర్తిచేసి ప్రస్తుతం ఎంఈడీ చ్న్నైలోని గవర్నమెంట్ ఇనిస్టిట్యూట్ ఆఫ్ అడ్వాన్స్ స్టడీస్8 ఇన్ ఎడ్యుకేషన్ కొనసాగిస్తున్నాడు. నిరుపేద కుటుంబం నుంచి వచ్చిన వెంకటేశన్ స్కాలర్షిప్లపై ఆధారపడి మాత్రమే ఈ విద్యను కొనసాగిస్తున్నాడు. తన కుటుంబపోషణ కూడా చాలా కష్టంగా ఉండటంతో పిల్లలకు ట్యూషన్లు చెబుతూ కొంత సొమ్మును ఆర్జిస్తున్నట్లు తెలిపాడు.
ప్రభుత్వం తనలాంటి వికలాంగులకు ప్రత్యేక విద్యలో శిక్షణ కల్పిస్తూ ప్రభుత్వ ఉద్యోగం కల్పించాలని కోరుతున్నాడు. సత్తుపల్లి ప్రాంతానికి చెందిన మాధవీలత అంగవైకల్యం జయించి చ్న్నైలోని ఓ ప్రవేటు కంపెనీలో ఆఫీసర్గా ఉద్యోగం చేస్తున్నారు. తన ద్వారానే వెంకటేశన్ సత్తుపల్లికి పరిచయమయ్యాడు. తమిళనాడులో తనకు లభించని ఆదరణ సత్తుపల్లిలో లభించిందంటూ, తనకు ఈ ఆదరణ లభించడానికి కారణమైన మాధవీలతకు ఆయన కృతజ్ఞతలు తెలిపారు.
అబ్బుర పరిచే విన్యాసాలు ఆయన సొంతం...
రెండు చేతులు లేనప్పటికీ వెంకటేషన్ అబ్బురపరిచే విన్యాసాలు చేసి అందరినీ ఆశ్చర్యానికి గురిచేశాడు. వెంకటేశన్ తన పనులన్నీ కాళ్లతోనే చేసుకునేవాడు. బ్రెస్8చేసుకోవడం, టిఫిన్ తినడం, రాయడం, కాళ్లతో పేజీలు తిప్పుతూ చదవడం, స్నానం చేయడం, ఈత కొట్టడం, సైక్లింగ్ చేయడం, నాలుకతో సెల్ఫోన్ ఆపరేట్, లాంగ్జంప్, హైజంప్ లాంటివి అవలీలగా కాళ్లతో చేస్తూ 2009లో మధురైలో ఏర్పాటుచేసిన పోటీల్లో రెండవ స్థానాన్ని కైవసం చేసుకుని సిల్వర్మెడల్ను పొందాడు.
విద్యాభివృద్ధికి తోడ్పాటు కావాలి...
వెంకటేషన్ చదువుకోసం సత్తుపల్లికి చెందిన రోటరీక్లబ్, లయన్స్క్లబ్, లైవ్, కళాభారతి సభ్యులు, సత్తుపల్లి తహసీల్దార్ తాతారావు, జేవీఆర్ ప్రాజెక్టు పీఓ గురవయ్య, విద్యుత్శాఖ ఏడీఈ జీవన్కుమార్, పట్టణ ప్రముఖులు పలువురు రూ.25వేలను ఆర్థ్ధికసహాయంగా అందజేశారు. ఈ సందర్భంగా వెంకటేశన్ను స్పూర్తిగా తీసుకుని సమాజంలో ఉన్నత స్థానాలు అధిరోహించాలని కోరుతూ పట్టణానికి చెందిన పలు స్వచ్ఛంద సంస్థల నిర్వాహకులు, ప్రముఖులు వెంకటేశన్ను ఘనంగా సన్మానించారు.
వెంకటేశన్ దేవుడిచ్చిన బహుమతి...
8వ తరగతి నుంచి కలిసి చదువుకుంటున్నాం. వెంకటేశన్కు పాఠశాలల్లోనూ, బయటా వివిధ రకాలుగా సహాయం చేయడం నాకు మానసిక సంతోషాన్ని ఇస్తుంది. వెంకటేశన్ నాకు దేవుడిచ్చిన బహుమతి లాంటి వాడు. స్నేహానికి మంచి చిరునామా. చదువులో చురుకుగా ఉంటూ ఎన్నో విషయాలను తోటి విద్యార్థులకు నేర్పుతూ ఉంటాడు. ఎదుటివాడిని ఏ మాత్రం బాధపెట్టడం తనకు ఇష్టం ఉండదు. ఇంత మంచి మిత్రుడు నాకు దొరకడం నిజంగా నా అదృష్టం.
-సెల్వం, వెంకటేషన్మిత్రుడు
ENAADU
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011
SAKSHI
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011.
NAMASTHE TELAMGAANAA
Telugu Daily News Paper Dt. 24-10-2011
ANDHRA PRABHA
Telugu Daily News Paper. Dt. 24-10-2011.
Look , I can swim.
by Anusha Parthasarathy.
SAGA OF COURAGE Madhavi Latha Photo : R.Ravindran.
A Conversation with Madhavi Latha is revealing. You don`t just get to know about her initiative ` Yes We Too Can ' , but also about this mellow 41 - year - old whose answer to all her challenges is a generous smile.
A conversation with Madhavi Latha is revealing. You don’t just get to know about her initiative ‘Yes we too can’, but also about this mellow 41-year-old whose answer to all her challenges is a generous smile.
Madhavi was only seven months old when she suffered an attack of poliomyelitis, which left her with 80 per cent disability.But that didn’t stop her from acquiring a long list of professional qualifications, driving to work everyday and fighting to beat the odds. She is a Senior Manager at Standard Chartered Scope International.
Surgery suggested
However, four years ago, she developed complications and the doctors weren’t too hopeful. “I had severe back pain and other complications. The doctor told me that if I did not undergo surgery, within a year, my life would be at risk. The chances of the surgery being successful were minimal and I didn’t want to risk it. Desperate, I visited a physiotherapist, Ananda Jothi, who changed my life,” she reveals.
Ananda Jothi recommended that she try hydrotherapy, and for the first time in Madhavi’s life, she was engaged in sports. “The benefits I’ve derived from swimming are astounding. My back pain has disappeared, and I am able to move better. The physiotherapist told me that this therapy has been in the textbooks for ages but isn’t extensively used. If I can derive the benefits at my age, you can only imagine how well it would work on younger people,” she says.
That’s how ‘Yes we too can’ began. “People with disabilities lead a sedentary life. This eventually leads to a lot of health complications. Physical exercise is very important to any person but often parents don’t realise it. They’re apprehensive about their children involving themselves in sports, unlike the West,” says Madhavi, adding, “when I began swimming, my parents would accompany me everyday, with their hearts in their mouth. Eventually, they realised that I could swim and understood how it helped. I want parents of differently-abled children to know that it’s important to engage them in physical activity.”
Her initiative aims at creating awareness about the benefits of disability sports, counselling the physically-challenged and supporting those from the economically weaker sections. As part of the initiative, she has obtained permission from the Shenoy Nagar swimming pool to hold coaching classes. “I’ve been going around giving talks in schools and colleges. And the response to my initiative has been overwhelming. My company is willing to arrange transportation to the pool and back. We’re just waiting for students to enrol.”
A colleague, who is also physically challenged, took a leaf out of Madhavi’s book and went along with her for swimming. “He wondered whether he would ever be able to swim. I told him that if I could, so could he. Now he’s very happy and confident he can handle himself better. In the West, there’s badminton, basketball and every other sport for people like me,” she says.
Dream come true
Madhavi recently participated in the Corporate Olympiad and won the bronze in the 100m swimming category and hopes to be part of the Paralympics soon. “I always thought Madhavi and sports were two different worlds. I wondered if they would ever meet but swimming has helped me realise that dream. I recently participated and won the Corporate Olympiad and people began to refer to me as a sportsperson. It feels wonderful,” she smiles.
But Madhavi’s dream is to start a sports school for persons with disabilities. “While I’d like to start a school, my immediate goal is to spread my message across the country. I would like to do everything possible to make sure that other people with disabilities don’t go through what I did. Sometimes, we tend to feel excluded from society. With a little bit of support from people, I’m sure we can get over anything.”
To register for classes or to contact Madhavi, visit her blog
http://yeswetoocan.blogspot.com
or email her at
Published in `` THE HINDU '' daily [Life & Style] on 28-07-2011.
Hydrotherapy : A Blessing For
Differently - Abled.
By Sundari Sivasubbu.
CHENNAI: The much-awaited session on Aquatic Physiotherapy for the Challenged People held at Rehab India on Monday, began in darkness with a power-cut. But when the main speaker of the day, Madhavi Latha, senior manager at Scope International and founder of the Yes, We Too Can Movement, began her presentation, she was glowing with the benevolence at the second chance to live again, thanks to hydrotherapy.
Madhavi has more than 80 per cent permanent disability due to polio. With sheer perseverance, she completed her education, acquiring several academic and professional qualifications. However, physical complexities began mounting from the age of 35 and soon, her condition turned life-threatening. Her doctor had even issued a one-year written deadline for her life, which she read out to the audience.
Her image in her x-ray vaguely resembled a spinal chord, a little below the neck from where it took an acute bend, twisting her body towards one side. Soon, her compressed lungs would not be able to breathe. “I’m alive today smiling and sharing all this with you, thanks to my physiotherapist Dr Ananda Jothi and his advice on hydrotherapy,” beams the now 41-year old Madhavi, who has never been this healthy and strong.
Having overcome the horrors of sedentary living, Madhavi is now committed to the cause of sports for the differently-abled through her movement. Walking her talk, she participated in the Corporate Olympiad 2010, held for able-bodied persons, winning the “Most Encouraging Sportsperson of the Year” award.
So what is hydrotherapy? Dr Ananda Jothi, specialist in Musculoskeletal Manipulative Physiotherapy and founder-chairman of Rehab India, Nungambakkam, says it is a form of physiotherapy done in water to revitalise, maintain and restore health. Sebastian Kneip is the father of hydrotherapy and it was Socrates who first identified and applied the use of water in medicine.
Water has the properties of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and hydromechanics, which help in blood circulation, weight-bearing in the joints, free movement, improvement in balancing power, pain relief and building muscular resistance and bone density. Different equipment such as arm bends, swim belts, kick boards, woggles and full buoys are used.
Of course, hydrotherapy poses its own risks for the physically-challenged like infections and slippery floors. The Swimming Pool Hoist could be a boon in getting them in and out of the pool, but it is quite expensive and unavailable in India. But if one takes the necessary precautions and overcome the initial difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the risks with regular practice, says Madhavi, who assures of 60-70 per cent improvement.
Ananda cautions those with certain conditions like skin infections, open wounds, acute fever, incontinence, malignancy, seizures and heart problems to avoid water exercises.
Ananda is also a member in the International Paralympics Committee, which conducts swimming competition for people with physical disabilities and visual impairment. However, such competitions for intellectually challenged people is still under review.
The benefits of aquatic physiotherapy are multifarious – to recover from serious injuries, prevent muscle wastage, freedom from calipers and pain, and losing body weight. New movements can be learnt under water and intensive exercises can be given to people with severe disabilities. And all these skills could be transferred to everyday lives.
“Hydrotherapy enables persons with disabilities to achieve their true potential,” sums up Dr Ananda.
To register for swimming classes for the differently-abled, send a mail to madavi.prathi@gmail.com and her blog at http://yeswetoocan.blogspot.com/. Dr Ananda Jothi can be contacted at cajothi@gmail.com.
Rehab India is located at No 26/19, 5th cross street, Lake Area, (Behind Valluvarkottam, near Four Frames Theatre) Nungambakkam.
(The writer has first hand experience with cerebral palsy.)
Surgery suggested
Dream come true
http://yeswetoocan.blogspot.com
or email her at
Hydrotherapy : A Blessing For
Differently - Abled.
By Sundari Sivasubbu.
CHENNAI: The much-awaited session on Aquatic Physiotherapy for the Challenged People held at Rehab India on Monday, began in darkness with a power-cut. But when the main speaker of the day, Madhavi Latha, senior manager at Scope International and founder of the Yes, We Too Can Movement, began her presentation, she was glowing with the benevolence at the second chance to live again, thanks to hydrotherapy.
Madhavi has more than 80 per cent permanent disability due to polio. With sheer perseverance, she completed her education, acquiring several academic and professional qualifications. However, physical complexities began mounting from the age of 35 and soon, her condition turned life-threatening. Her doctor had even issued a one-year written deadline for her life, which she read out to the audience.
Her image in her x-ray vaguely resembled a spinal chord, a little below the neck from where it took an acute bend, twisting her body towards one side. Soon, her compressed lungs would not be able to breathe. “I’m alive today smiling and sharing all this with you, thanks to my physiotherapist Dr Ananda Jothi and his advice on hydrotherapy,” beams the now 41-year old Madhavi, who has never been this healthy and strong.
Having overcome the horrors of sedentary living, Madhavi is now committed to the cause of sports for the differently-abled through her movement. Walking her talk, she participated in the Corporate Olympiad 2010, held for able-bodied persons, winning the “Most Encouraging Sportsperson of the Year” award.
So what is hydrotherapy? Dr Ananda Jothi, specialist in Musculoskeletal Manipulative Physiotherapy and founder-chairman of Rehab India, Nungambakkam, says it is a form of physiotherapy done in water to revitalise, maintain and restore health. Sebastian Kneip is the father of hydrotherapy and it was Socrates who first identified and applied the use of water in medicine.
Water has the properties of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and hydromechanics, which help in blood circulation, weight-bearing in the joints, free movement, improvement in balancing power, pain relief and building muscular resistance and bone density. Different equipment such as arm bends, swim belts, kick boards, woggles and full buoys are used.
Of course, hydrotherapy poses its own risks for the physically-challenged like infections and slippery floors. The Swimming Pool Hoist could be a boon in getting them in and out of the pool, but it is quite expensive and unavailable in India. But if one takes the necessary precautions and overcome the initial difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the risks with regular practice, says Madhavi, who assures of 60-70 per cent improvement.
Ananda cautions those with certain conditions like skin infections, open wounds, acute fever, incontinence, malignancy, seizures and heart problems to avoid water exercises.
Ananda is also a member in the International Paralympics Committee, which conducts swimming competition for people with physical disabilities and visual impairment. However, such competitions for intellectually challenged people is still under review.
The benefits of aquatic physiotherapy are multifarious – to recover from serious injuries, prevent muscle wastage, freedom from calipers and pain, and losing body weight. New movements can be learnt under water and intensive exercises can be given to people with severe disabilities. And all these skills could be transferred to everyday lives.
“Hydrotherapy enables persons with disabilities to achieve their true potential,” sums up Dr Ananda.
To register for swimming classes for the differently-abled, send a mail to madavi.prathi@gmail.com and her blog at http://yeswetoocan.blogspot.com/. Dr Ananda Jothi can be contacted at cajothi@gmail.com.
Rehab India is located at No 26/19, 5th cross street, Lake Area, (Behind Valluvarkottam, near Four Frames Theatre) Nungambakkam.
(The writer has first hand experience with cerebral palsy.)
DINAMANI - TAMIL NEWS PAPER --- 19-12-2011
விளையாட்டு
மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கான நீச்சல் போட்டியில் பதக்கம் வென்ற பி.மாதவி லதா, உத்திரா ராமச்சந்திரன்.
சென்னை, டிச.18: மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கான 11-வது தேசிய அளவிலான நீச்சல் போட்டியில் தமிழக வீரர், வீராங்கனைகள் சாதனை படைத்துள்ளனர்.
மஹாராஷ்டிர மாநிலம் கோலாபூரில் டிசம்பர் 9 முதல் 12 வரை நடைபெற்ற இப் போட்டியில் தமிழகத்துக்கு 8 பதக்கங்கள் கிடைத்துள்ளன. 50 மீட்டர் நீச்சல் போட்டியின் மூன்று பிரிவுகளிலும் தமிழகத்தின் பி.மாதவி லதா தங்கம் வென்றார். பி.வெங்கடேசன் ஒரு தங்கமும், மூன்று வெள்ளியும், உத்திரா ராமச்சந்திரன் ஒரு வெள்ளிப் பதக்கமும் வென்று தமிழகத்துக்கு பெருமை சேர்த்துள்ளனர்.
இது குறித்து செய்தியாளர்களிடம் பி.மாதவி லதா ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை கூறியது: மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கான 11-வது தேசிய அளவிலான நீச்சல் போட்டியில் எங்களுடன் ஜோதி என்பவரும் பங்கேற்றார். ஆனால் அவரால் பதக்கம் வெல்ல முடியவில்லை. மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் விளையாட்டு போட்டிகளில் பங்கேற்பதற்கு வட இந்தியாவில் சிறப்பான வரவேற்பும் ஆதரவும் கிடைக்கிறது. இந்தப் போட்டியில் மஹாராஷ்டிர மாநிலத்தில் இருந்து 60 பேரும், மேற்கு வங்கத்திலிருந்து 50 பேரும் பங்கேற்றனர். இதேபோல் ஹரியானா, சத்தீஸ்கர் ஆகிய மாநிலங்களில் இருந்தும் ஏராளமானோர் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.
ஆனால் தென் மாநிலங்களில் இருந்து குறைவான வீரர்கள் மட்டுமே பங்கேற்றது வருத்தம் அளிக்கிறது மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் நீச்சல் பயிற்சியை மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். இது மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கு உடல் வலிமையை மட்டுமின்றி, மன வலிமையையும் கூட்டுவதாக அமையும் என்றார் மாதவி லதா.
உத்திரா ராமச்சந்திரன்: மாற்றுத் திறன் குழந்தைகளின் பெற்றோர்கள் விளையாட்டுத் துறையில் அவர்களை ஊக்குவிக்க வேண்டும். அவர்களை தன்னம்பிக்கையுடன் வளர்க்க வேண்டும்.
தேசிய அளவிலான போட்டிகளில் எங்களால் சாதிக்க முடிந்ததற்கு எங்களுடைய தன்னம்பிக்கையும், விடா முயற்சியுமே காரணம் என்றார் அவர். இச் சந்திப்பில் தமிழ்நாடு மாற்றுத் திறன் நீச்சல் வீரர்களுக்கான சங்கத்தின் தொழில்நுட்ப இயக்குநர் சி.ஆனந்த ஜோதி, இணைச் செயலர், பி.சாய் கிருஷ்ணன் ஆகியோர் பங்கேற்றனர்.
THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS ----- 20-12-2011
மஹாராஷ்டிர மாநிலம் கோலாபூரில் டிசம்பர் 9 முதல் 12 வரை நடைபெற்ற இப் போட்டியில் தமிழகத்துக்கு 8 பதக்கங்கள் கிடைத்துள்ளன. 50 மீட்டர் நீச்சல் போட்டியின் மூன்று பிரிவுகளிலும் தமிழகத்தின் பி.மாதவி லதா தங்கம் வென்றார். பி.வெங்கடேசன் ஒரு தங்கமும், மூன்று வெள்ளியும், உத்திரா ராமச்சந்திரன் ஒரு வெள்ளிப் பதக்கமும் வென்று தமிழகத்துக்கு பெருமை சேர்த்துள்ளனர்.
இது குறித்து செய்தியாளர்களிடம் பி.மாதவி லதா ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை கூறியது: மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கான 11-வது தேசிய அளவிலான நீச்சல் போட்டியில் எங்களுடன் ஜோதி என்பவரும் பங்கேற்றார். ஆனால் அவரால் பதக்கம் வெல்ல முடியவில்லை. மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் விளையாட்டு போட்டிகளில் பங்கேற்பதற்கு வட இந்தியாவில் சிறப்பான வரவேற்பும் ஆதரவும் கிடைக்கிறது. இந்தப் போட்டியில் மஹாராஷ்டிர மாநிலத்தில் இருந்து 60 பேரும், மேற்கு வங்கத்திலிருந்து 50 பேரும் பங்கேற்றனர். இதேபோல் ஹரியானா, சத்தீஸ்கர் ஆகிய மாநிலங்களில் இருந்தும் ஏராளமானோர் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.
ஆனால் தென் மாநிலங்களில் இருந்து குறைவான வீரர்கள் மட்டுமே பங்கேற்றது வருத்தம் அளிக்கிறது மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகள் நீச்சல் பயிற்சியை மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். இது மாற்றுத் திறனாளிகளுக்கு உடல் வலிமையை மட்டுமின்றி, மன வலிமையையும் கூட்டுவதாக அமையும் என்றார் மாதவி லதா.
உத்திரா ராமச்சந்திரன்: மாற்றுத் திறன் குழந்தைகளின் பெற்றோர்கள் விளையாட்டுத் துறையில் அவர்களை ஊக்குவிக்க வேண்டும். அவர்களை தன்னம்பிக்கையுடன் வளர்க்க வேண்டும்.
தேசிய அளவிலான போட்டிகளில் எங்களால் சாதிக்க முடிந்ததற்கு எங்களுடைய தன்னம்பிக்கையும், விடா முயற்சியுமே காரணம் என்றார் அவர். இச் சந்திப்பில் தமிழ்நாடு மாற்றுத் திறன் நீச்சல் வீரர்களுக்கான சங்கத்தின் தொழில்நுட்ப இயக்குநர் சி.ஆனந்த ஜோதி, இணைச் செயலர், பி.சாய் கிருஷ்ணன் ஆகியோர் பங்கேற்றனர்.
THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS ----- 20-12-2011
CHENNAI: Underlining the need for increased representation from the Southern States, winners of the 11th National Paralympic Swimming Championship 2011 have urged more differently-abled youngsters to represent the state in the junior and sub-junior levels.
Addressing a press conference organised by the Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu here on Sunday, Madhavi Latha, a first time participant who clinched three gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m breast stroke, also winning the individual championship under the S1(Severely Disabled) category, said while there were only four representatives from the state at the event that was held in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, from December 9 to 12, there were nearly 60 participants from Maharashtra, a 50 from West Bengal and substantial representation from other parts of North India. Sharing her success story, 55-year-old Uthira Ramachandran, another first timer who won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle category, also highlighted the need for awareness on the benefits of hydrotherapy, which is used for rehabilitation and recreation, enabling them to emerge triumphant. She said that the differently-abled needed to realise that it was possible for them to exercise in water and prove their mettle in sports through hydrotherapy, which helped them in learning new movements inside the water. Parents should also encourage their children to overcome their apprehensions about their disability and excel in sports, added Madhavi. “When I am in the water, it is world of enjoyment and freedom. I can move about freely,” asserted Madhavi, who works as a senior manager at Standard Chartered Scope International Pvt Ltd. Speaking on the occasion, Technical Director Dr C Anand Jyothi announced that the association would soon be setting up its own academy for the differently-abled to promote adaptive sports. The 2012 edition of National Paralympic Swimming Championships would be hosted by the State in December, he informed. Four representatives from the State participated in the National Paralympic Swimming Championship, including P Venkatesan, who won a gold medal in the 50m breast stroke category, three silver medals in 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and also the individual championship under the S1 category for men, and 50m butterfly and Jyothi. Overall, they bagged eight medals for the state.
Link for News Item in Eenadu-Chennai Edition on 19.12.11.
http://archives.eenadu.net/12-19-2011/district/inner.aspx?dsname=Tamilnadu&info=tam-k3
Clarification by Madhavi Latha :-
Due to misunderstanding, two things in the below article were mentioned wrongly.
I was affected by Polio at the age of 7th month not at the age of 7 yrs.
I could not go to the College due to non-availability of disabled friendly infrastructure in colleges but not because of others behaviour towards me. Actually my friends are very supportive. I have great friends.
SAAKSHI --- Dt. 30-12-2011.
ENAADU TELUGU NEWS PAPER. Dt. 28-01-2012.
ANDHRA JYOTHI -- Dt. 28-01-2012
ANANDA VIKATAN TAMIL MAGAZINE - 29-02-2012.
Addressing a press conference organised by the Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu here on Sunday, Madhavi Latha, a first time participant who clinched three gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m breast stroke, also winning the individual championship under the S1(Severely Disabled) category, said while there were only four representatives from the state at the event that was held in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, from December 9 to 12, there were nearly 60 participants from Maharashtra, a 50 from West Bengal and substantial representation from other parts of North India. Sharing her success story, 55-year-old Uthira Ramachandran, another first timer who won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle category, also highlighted the need for awareness on the benefits of hydrotherapy, which is used for rehabilitation and recreation, enabling them to emerge triumphant. She said that the differently-abled needed to realise that it was possible for them to exercise in water and prove their mettle in sports through hydrotherapy, which helped them in learning new movements inside the water. Parents should also encourage their children to overcome their apprehensions about their disability and excel in sports, added Madhavi. “When I am in the water, it is world of enjoyment and freedom. I can move about freely,” asserted Madhavi, who works as a senior manager at Standard Chartered Scope International Pvt Ltd. Speaking on the occasion, Technical Director Dr C Anand Jyothi announced that the association would soon be setting up its own academy for the differently-abled to promote adaptive sports. The 2012 edition of National Paralympic Swimming Championships would be hosted by the State in December, he informed. Four representatives from the State participated in the National Paralympic Swimming Championship, including P Venkatesan, who won a gold medal in the 50m breast stroke category, three silver medals in 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and also the individual championship under the S1 category for men, and 50m butterfly and Jyothi. Overall, they bagged eight medals for the state.
Link for News Item in Eenadu-Chennai Edition on 19.12.11.
http://archives.eenadu.net/12-19-2011/district/inner.aspx?dsname=Tamilnadu&info=tam-k3
Clarification by Madhavi Latha :-
Due to misunderstanding, two things in the below article were mentioned wrongly.
I was affected by Polio at the age of 7th month not at the age of 7 yrs.
I could not go to the College due to non-availability of disabled friendly infrastructure in colleges but not because of others behaviour towards me. Actually my friends are very supportive. I have great friends.
SAAKSHI --- Dt. 30-12-2011.
ANANDA VIKATAN TAMIL MAGAZINE - 29-02-2012.
INDIA TODAY - TELUGU MAGAZINE -- 20-03-2012.
WHEN WATER PROVIDES THE HEALING TOUCH ....
By SUNDARI SIVASUBBU.
Differently abled swimmer Madhavi at Andhra Cultural Club , Chennai.
Photo : A . Raja Chidambaram.
The New Indian Express , Sunday Magazine , dt. 02-10-2011.
CHENNAI CHIMES
ENGLISH WEB MAGAZINE - Dt. 11-11-11.
<>Chimer of the month
Madavi Latha narrated her story and emphasised that it was a miracle that she survived her polio attack. She recalls that she grew up as the last child among three sisters and one brother with lot of affection poured on her as she was the youngest. As she could not walk, her parents and siblings carried her everywhere and she managed to go to school till she was in the 10th std. Since there were no facilities for physically challenged people, Madavi had to do her intermediate and degree through correspondence. From her early childhood, she loved socialising, was good at academics and very enthusiastic about life. She was determined to seek employment so that she could be financially independent.
The people of her village were surprised when she with a lot of perseverance secured a bank job and went to the city of Hyderabad to take up a posting. It was at this time that she also learnt to drive a two wheeler so that she could be mobile and now drives around comfortable in her car. Madavi says ‘I grew up fast in the ladder of growth and for the want of more exposure relocated to Chennai a few years back getting into SCOPE’.
It was at this phase of her life, that Madavi was challenged again as she developed severe pain in her body not being able to even sit for a few minutes at a stretch. Doctors suggested surgery but did not give too much hope for survival. She was totally shattered and a friend recommended Dr. Anand Jothi who was a physiotherapist to her. The doctor prescribed hydrotherapy a treatment of doing exercises under water. Madavi was willing to give herself totally to it and she felt enormous relief to her pain when she stayed under water. The water massaged her muscles, strengthening them and she loved being under water. Slowly, she took courage and with new found zeal learnt to swim. Experiencing the improvement, she felt responsible to spread awareness of hydrotherapy to others who were physically challenged. She sought permission from the Andhra club where she went swimming to allow others who are physically challenged into the pool.
Madavi has recently formalised her activities by forming YWTC Charitable Trust to help the physically challenged from economically poor background to get the benefits of hydrotherapy. She smiles ‘I thought I had found out new benefits of water therapy only to realise that these benefits have been recorded decades back’ and added ‘not practised extensively and that is where my role comes in and my organisation Scope International is supporting me a lot in taking forward this movement’.
Madavi has in the last few months seen results in many people that excited her to approach even the Government to take steps and make swimming pools more accessible to the physically challenged. She signed off appealing to all the physically challenged to plunge into water and their families to whole heartedly support this activity.
Madavi’s cheerfulness and spirit lingered with me long after I finished my conversation with her and am sure that with her determination and energy she is going to spread her message loud and clear to help it reach as far and wide as possible.
Written by Mala.
Posted on dt. 11-11-11.
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