Ludhiana, April 30
With deformed feet and right hand, Mr Ramesh Kumar has been declared 93 per cent disabled. But his deformity has never deterred him from excelling in education. He stands as an example of grit and determination for many.
Mr Ramesh Kumar has been working as a science teacher in Government High School, Salem
Tabri, for the past 13 years where he is teaching students of middle and high section. He not only makes students gain an in-depth knowledge of various aspects of science but also trains them in making science models.
The students trained by him have won various prizes at district as well as state levels. He also guides them for science seminars and quiz competitions organised by the district Education Department every year.
Mr Ramesh Kumar was born with deformity owing to a genetic disorder. His tiny feet are without any toes and three fingers are missing in his right hand. He could not walk till he was four years old but with the untiring efforts of his mother he was able to move around, though he limped quite a bit. Now, he wears a pair of shoes pointing in the opposite direction so that he is able to balance himself well.
Mr Ramesh Kumar said though his father was a businessman, he was determined not to join the family business. Instead, he became self-reliant by pursuing a job after taking higher education. He did his schooling from Malwa Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Model Gram. Thereafter, he joined SCD Government College from where he completed BSc (Medical) with first division. He later did BEd from Punjabi University, Patiala, where he stayed in a hostel for a year.
He was appointed a government school teacher in 1987 and posted at Government High School,
Chaunta. In 1991, he joined Government High School, Salem Tabri. Residing in Rishi Nagar, Mr Ramesh Kumar pedals his way to the school, which is more than 10 km from his house. He is also able to drive a scooter but prefers riding a bicycle as he feels more safe on it on busy roads during school hours.
He is married and has a daughter and a son, both going to school. He said his family members, students as well colleagues in the school were very cooperative. With their support, he never felt that he was lagging behind anyone in any aspect.
Mr Ranjit Singh, Headmaster of the school, said even though Mr Ramesh Kumar suffered from a severe handicap, he was doing better work than any other teacher of the school. He said at times, he even took the initiative to organise school functions and go to the bank to perform
school transactions.
