“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will” -Mahatma Gandhi.
Most of us take our lives for granted. Despite being physically fit, we keep complaining and making excuses. But amongst us are so many differently-abled persons who have proved time and again, that you do not need two hands, legs or eyes to succeed. All you need is willpower and determination.
Here is the story of one such person who put aside all excuses and proved his worth, achieving goals which able-bodied persons would find difficult to accomplish. His is a motivational journey that proves that nothing is impossible.
Having been disabled in both legs from birth, Shahenshah Kaif (son of Mohammad Manzoor Alam and Rani Khatoon) from Phulaut Gram Panchayat in Chausa Block of Madhepura district in Bihar was unable to walk. But when the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) campaign was launched in his village, he was enthusiastic and keen to participate. The district administration allowed him to be trained in the CLTS (community led total sanitation) approach along with other motivators.
Thereafter, for about a year now, the young lad has been actively working for the sanitation campaign in Chausa. Owing to his honesty and hard work, he has garnered support and assistance from the district officials as well as the village folk. Over the course of last year, he has travelled about 14 kms along various villages and wards in Chausa and Chausa west, on his tricycle to motivate people to take up toilet construction.
Shahenshah did not take a break during the fasting month of Ramadan nor let his disability hinder him for his work. Many a time, he has attended Ratri Chaupal along with the BDO (block development officer) and participated in morning follow up. Such is the extent of his will power and dedication.
That people were taking his efforts seriously and building toilets and using them was reward enough for him. More than anything, it’s his communication skills that are worth mentioning, as he convinces people to adopt safe sanitation practices.
His dedication and honesty has inspired officials, preraks and the whole community; as he motivates them to contribute to a Swachh Bharat.
Inputs from Khalid, ZSBP, Madhepura, and Tarun Kumar Ranjan, State Consultant, IEC, Bihar
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 