Differently abled Keikhilang sails against all odds
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 03 2015: BT Keikhilang (44), son of BT Keiphiyan of Kabui Khullen Part 1 in Tamenglong A/C is one of the differently abled persons in the State who has not availed a disabled certificate or received any help from the State Social Welfare Department.

BT Keikhilang never dreamt of leading a differently abled person's life when he was born as the first child of BT Keiphiyan and BT Athoi in March 3, 1971.His parents faced a lot of difficulties while bringing up the children as he has seven other siblings.

Seasonal cultivation was the only source of income for his parents.

Being born to a poor family, BT Keikhilang always helped his parents in their daily activities while he managed to study till eleven standards at Tamenglong Higher Secondary School.

Recalling the unforgettable incident, BT Keikhilang narrated the story of the moment when he was forced to become a differently abled person.

"I went with my father at the farm as usual and cleaned up the farm to cultivate for the year", said Keikhilang and added he climbed up a tree which grew at the farm and started cutting the branch.

But unluckily he fell down at the floor and became conscious only after nearly half an hour.

He was however managed to transport at his home after his father called the villagers for help.

When he reached home, Keikhilang realized that he could not move his below waist parts.

On the next day, villagers made a wooden carriage and carried him for around 27 km till Noney and then reached JNIMS for the treatment, recalled Keikhilang.

Keikhilang was however at last referred to RIMS, Lamphel after receiving treatment for many months at JNIMS, Porompat.

All the expenses of his treatment were paid by the money which was borrowed by his parents from the village.

However, Keikhilang was told that he cannot be cured as his backbone injured when he fell down.

The doctors also told Keikhilang that his both legs will be paralyzed and he will never be recovered.

Keikhilang was discharged from the hospital as the chances of his recovery were dim.

"I cried many nights and could not rest when seeing my friends going to school," said Keikhilang and added radio became his best friend and only hope for survival.

As Keikhilang could not spend time easily, he started making cane chairs from 1998."I took around one month to make my first chair," recalled Keikhilang and added the chair was out of shape as he was not professional at the time.

However, Keikhilang managed to become a professional cane chair maker after giving continuous effort for the last 17 years.

Keikhilang said that though he has been leading a live of a differently abled person since the last 17 years, he has failed to get a disabled certificate issued by the responsible authorities.

He said that visiting Social Welfare Department in Imphal is also difficult for him as the transportation facilities are still pity.

He however admitted that he had many times complained to authorities.

Keikhilang further disclosed that he has failed to get any benefits provided by the Government as the authorities have not issued a disabled certificate.

His chairs are sold at his neighbours, village and None ranging from Rs 500/600.However, the Government has failed to provide even a single wheel chair for Keikhilang.

"Many persons like me at far-flung villages are not getting the benefits from the Government," said Keikhilang and requested the Government to make a policy and allow providing the disabled certificates at PHCs, PHSC and District Hospitals so that every differently abled person in the State can get the benefits in time.

Comment