...but still believes that she can win the world from her wheelchair
She was a topper in the differently abled category of the 2006 SSC exams. And she might have done an encore in this year’s higher secondary.
But Urvi Pithadia, 17, has been forced to discontinue her studies just a week after joining junior college. Nobody there volunteered to help the wheelchair-bound girl in and out of classrooms and elevators.
Urvi is suffering from muscular dystrophia, a genetic disorder which weakens muscles. It’s impossible for her to move around on her own.
After her SSC triumph, she enrolled herself at SNDT’s College of Arts in Vile Parle. “Even though there was elevator facility at the college, Urvi required someone to push her wheelchair. There were college maids, but none of them ever helped Urvi even to the restroom. She felt utterly helpless and was so depressed, that we thought it was better for her to discontinue studies,” her mother, Mita, told DNA.
“I had no other option but to discontinue after one week. Their apathy towards me made me feel like an unwanted burden. I couldn’t stand the ignominy,” said the girl, tears streaking down her face. “I wanted to retain some dignity.”
She added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my school life — my immobility never hampered me then. I had expected to enjoy college life too, but I survived just a week in that unfriendly atmosphere.”
Initially, she was heartbroken, but her zeal for life got her back on tracks. Exploring other options, she stumbled on her true calling. “I joined computer animation course at a nearby institute. I have learnt a programme with which I can build a flawless human body,”without any flaw,” she said proudly.
When DNA contacted SNDT vice-chancellor Chandra Krishnamurthy, and told her about Urvi, the V-C gave assurance the matter would be investigated. “Though, I do not know about the incident, I would like to help the student. We are building ramp facilities at our centres in Juhu and Churchgate.”
Urvi, told about the V-C’s assurance, said, “I cannot get inside a train because there are no ramps at railway stations. Once I was denied entry to a temple because of my wheelchair. I am used to the apathy now.”
Her mother helped her out of wheelchair, into the seat in front of her computer. Urvi deftly handled the mouse with her left hand. “I don’t regret my decision to discontinue studies. There is a whole new world on the Internet. I want others like me to believe that there are several avenues open. We just need to figure those out,” she said.
r_priya@dnaindia.net
