Padmapur: Physical disability has not hindered the indomitable spirit of Sukumar Panda of Basudevpur in Bhadrak district. Sukumar is a teacher of Rukunadeipur Primary School in Padmapur panchayat.
He goes to the school with the support of his crutches. Moreover, he suffers from a urinary tract infection. He answers the call of nature through an artificial urinary pipe which is changed every month. He suffers from chronic cough and cold due to his infection.
Sukumar has been working hard to meet his medical bills. He also complains of stomach ache frequently. Born at Ramkrushnapur under Simulia block in Balasore, Sukumar was polio-afflicted since childhood as a result of which his legs are paralysed. Due to the physical handicap, he started his education late. He began primary education when he was eight. Undeterred, he pursued studies and completed post-graduation in Mathematics in Fakirmohan University.
He started teaching career in 2011. Fate again cracked a cruel joke on him in 2014 when he sustained a grievous injury in his spinal cord in an accident. Since then, he suffered a urinary tract infection.
“In view of these ailments, a big part of the salary is spent on medical expenses,” he lamented. His family comprises his wife, a son, daughter, a sister and his widowed mother.
Headmaster of Rukunadeipur Primary school Akshaykumar Ojhar said despite his physical debility, Sukumar has never neglected his duties. He attends the school regularly.
His students and local guardians love him.
PNN