Medals with a “SPECIAL†Touch
Lalita, a hearing impaired student from Deepalaya has proved that the DISABLED (as the world calls her) are actually DIFFERENTLY ABLED.
Lalita, a hearing impaired student from Deepalaya has proved that the DISABLED (as the world calls her) are actually DIFFERENTLY ABLED.
Lalita recently returned from S. Korea with a Silver and Bronze medals dangling around her neck. She not only made Deepalaya but whole India proud by winning the medals in Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom (Alpine Skiing) respectively in the World Winter Olympic Games- 2013.
Recently when her parents watched the movie Barfi in which Ranbir Kapoor played a deaf mute, they compared him with Lalita. When at a young age of 3, doctors proclaimed her DEAF; her parents kept her confined to the home. “Today she has not only stepped out of our home but has also gone beyond India”, says her mother, Malti.
Lalita’s family attributes this to Deepalaya Special Unit where she was enrolled a decade back. Lalita received speech therapy, special education and grew in confidence day by day. She was also mainstreamed into Deepalaya Formal School at Sanjay Colony from where she completed Grade VIII.
Lalita along with her friends at the Special Unit were also coached by the Special Olympics Bharat, an initiative that changed their lives. Earlier in 2009, Reena and Brijesh students of the Special Unit represented the country at the Games held in Idaho (USA) and came back with a Bronze and Silver Medal respectively.
In 2011 Lalita was shortlisted for the Games in 2011 but did not make it to the final list. Not disappointed she continued with the practice, with added determination and perseverance. It has all paid off as she came back with new hopes and ambitions.
Lalita, hearing impaired student from Deepalaya, returned from S. Korea with a Silver and Bronze medals
Lalita was recently felicitated by Deepalaya at an event – Symphonies of Joy a performance by the Deepalaya Choral Group. Mr. Mark Runacers (Former Dy. British High Commissioner) congratulated her on this auspicious occasion.
About the Author
Ravi Pahuja
Noida
Leave a Reply