[ Ranjit Sinha ]
ITANAGAR, Jun 5: Jagdish Lohar, a differently-abled teacher from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has completed his 2550 km-long ‘cross-country motivational expedition’ which he had started with the aim of bringing awareness among the differently-abled persons “about their abilities.”
Lohar, a person with loco-motor disability of the lower limbs, started his journey on his tri-scooter from Jodhpur on 26 May, and travelled through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam before he reached Itanagar on 4 June.
Lohar, who was awarded the President’s Medal in 2015 for his dedication as a teacher, feels that differently-abled persons can do wonders if they build self-confidence and willpower.
According to Lohar, low self-esteem and lack of confidence are the biggest mental blocks that prevent the growth of persons with disabilities.
Expressing concern over the jugaad (locally improvised) tri-scooters, which are not technically fit for differently-abled persons, Lohar said that the tri-scooters used by people like him are a violation of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act. He reasoned that the design of the tri-scooter is not approved by Automotive Research Association of India.
“The temporary arrangement of extra wheels comes with high wear and tear cost and low fuel efficiency. A branded tri-scooter, on the other hand, will contribute immensely to improve the quality of life of the differently-abled persons,” he said.
He also urged the central government to look into the problem as the two-wheeler companies are not willing to manufacture tri-scooters with the approved design.
The 45-year-old teacher, who was accompanied by a petty businessman from Rajasthan, Anand Adhikari (23), also met Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Lohar informed that the chief minister encouraged him on his mission with some cash and a letter of appreciation.
