Where There is a Will, There is a Way
A
poor Orissa girl with afflicted limbs learns writing with
her toes to become a teacher
What can be expected
from a physically handicapped, girl living under extreme
poverty in a remote village of Orissa – Disappointments,
Miseries and Frustrations?
Twenty
two years ago Suryakanti was born to very poor parents.
As if the curse of abject poverty was not enough, Suryakanti
was diagnosed to be suffering from a rare disease afflicting
limbs called BAT hand, since her birth. Unlike other children
of her age, poor Suryakanti could not use her hands to eat,
play or write. She longed to lead a normal life and during
her initial years could not even comprehend as to why she
is different from other children.
As
the years passed by, she realized that she will have to
live with her disability. With no options available, Suryakanti
decided not to be dictated by her fate but to live life
on her terms. She had a strong desire to study. She practiced
hard to write with toes of her foot. After failing in her
first few attempts, she practiced hard and mastered the
art of writing with her feet. Having cleared a major obstacle
through her dogged spirit and relentless efforts, Suryakanti
set her eyes on the next major challenge facing her –
taking her Board Exams and clearing them. The ‘Never
Say Die’ spirit in Suryakanti ensured that she succeeds
in this too. Recognizing Suryakanti’s indomitable
spirit to transform her life through the power of education
despite odds, which in essence makes up the ideology of
Smile Foundation too, Smile took up the case of Suryakanti
under its special initiative, ‘Individual Support
Programme’ (ISP). Empowering individuals, particularly
children - enabling them to make informed choice, resist
oppression, fight for rightful existence and facilitating
new possibilities and opportunities for them - is what Smile
Foundation strives for.
Thanks to the hard work and determination displayed by Suryakanti,
today she is employed as a teacher in a nearby school and
leads a life with dignity.
Smile
Foundation always looks for more such deserving children
and supports them under its Individual Support Programme
(ISP) who ultimately set examples for all of us.
Smile Foundation takes pride in inspiration like Suryakanti!
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Government of Orissa honours Suryakanti
 Government
of Orissa honours Suryakanti
Honourable State Cooperative Minister, Ms. Surama
Padhi, Government of Orissa appreciated Smile Foundation
endeavour and handed over the first installment
from Smile Foundation to Suryakanti at Subarnapur,
Orissa.
Collector & District Magistrate, Subarnapur,
Mr. Benudhar Dash was also present on the occasion
of Republic Day at Royal Parade Ground, Subarnapur.
Suryakanti belongs to village Gariamunda of Subarnapur
district in Orissa.
ORYSED (Organisation of Rural Youth for Social and
Economic Development), a local partner of Smile
Foundation, has played an important role in identifying
Suryakanti a few months back. ORYSED members and
volunteers look after the special girl on day to
day basis.
Smile Foundation appreciates the dedication of its
local partner, ORYSED and determination of Suryakanti.
Suryakanti is already inspiring others and is a
role model in the state.
Suryakanti Nayak of village Gariamunda, District
Subarnapur (Sonepur) in Orissa had it all to make
a heart-rending, tragic tale. But, she was not the
one to be cowed down by the inexorable destiny.
Suryakanti, through her sheer grit and determination,
turned the tables on the destiny itself and transformed
her life from a life of pity and condemnation to
a life of admiration and bravery.
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Suryakanti
is an Inspiration
Suryakanti
Nayak, native of Gariyamunda village in Subarnapur
(Sonepur) district of Orissa, is an unmarried girl
of 22. Suryakanti has almost no hands but she does
everything with her toes, she can even write and
teach through her valuable legs. She is an example
for those who become hopeless in whatever ways in
life.
Suryakanti has been appointed as a primary school
teacher (Siksha Sahayak) by the state government
in Durdura Primary School, 6 km from her village
with a consolidated salary of Rs 2000/- per month
since two years now. Everyday she goes to school
either by bus or her brother accompanies her on
bicycle.
This poor rural tribal girl maintains her family,
which has her 60 year old father Prahallad Nayak,
50 year old mother Haripriya Nayak and 14 year old
brother Dayamaya Nayak.
Details on Suryakanti
Name: Suryakanti Nayak
Father's Name: Mr. Prahallad Nayak
Mother's Name: Ms. Hariprasad
Nayak
Address: Village - Gariyamunda
Post Office - Pitamahul
District- Subarnapur (Sonepur)
State: Orissa
Date of Birth: May 8th 1985
Occupation at Present: Primary
School Teacher
Hobby: Reading
The
above description is written by Project Associate
from eastern India, Mr. Satya Narayan Thakur, when
he met Suryakanti at her village on an official
visit. Smile Foundation has been supporting Suryakanti
and takes pride in her being an example and role
model
Mr. Satya Narayan Thakur
Project Associate,
Smile Foundation,
(Eastern Zone)
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