Dasmantpur: The grit and determination of a polio victim has inspired all others suffering from various ailments as the girl continues to make a mark in her studies.
Elizabeth Khosla, daughter of Mohanpatra Khosla of Machhaput village under Dasmantpur block in Koraput district, was born with polio.
One of her legs is extremely thin and short, making it impossible for her to walk. Yet, with her indomitable spirit she has overcome various challenges in life.
Mohanpatra’s family comprises wife, two daughters and a son. Elizabeth is his second daughter. The parents named her after the erstwhile Queen of England.
Elizabeth, who has been a bright student from her primary classes itself, is now pursuing her Plus II at Dashmantpur Radhakrushna Tribal College.
However, it is still difficult for her to reach the college. As she cannot walk, her family members used to carry her to the primary and high school. Even now one of her family members – father or brother or younger sister — carries her to the college.
Elizabeth wishes to continue her study further and at the same time likes to improve her knowledge of computers.
Despite his financial problems, Mohanpatra has got her enrolled at a nearby computer centre. Apart from her Plus II studies, she is now doing a PGDCA course at the centre.
Elizabeth is confident that she is in no way inferior to any of her friends. “Like what they are dreaming about to be in their lives, I can not only dream like them but also scale new heights in achieving all success in my life,” she says.
“I feel our poor financial condition could come as a hindrance in my way. There are examples galore as how physically challenged persons have succeeded in achieving their goals. One day, I will make my parents, my village and my district proud.
“When I was at school, I was told the government extends all help to the students belonging to poor families who have a desire to pursue higher education, especially in the case of physically challenged students.
“However, the fact that entrance fee is being collected from families like us has hurt me. Besides, my parents will have to take care of my medicine expenditure as well. If I am able to get some help from the government, my dreams could be fulfilled,” she adds.
She has met the collector, seeking his intervention for facilitating her with a proper certificate, Banishree scholarship, waiver of admission fees in college, etc.
Mohanpatra says, “No help is coming her way and this sometimes pains her.”
When contacted, the principal of the college said he was not aware whether a fee had been collected from Elizabeth.
PNN