CTH Story of Sai Padma
Cross the Hurdles brings you the inspiring story of Ms. Sai Padma who has achieved success despite of all the odds that came in the way. Here are the excerpts from our talk with Sai.
Age: 55 years (in 2010)
Occupation: Principal, Govt.Junior College, Puthalapattu, Chittoor Dt. Andhra Pradesh
Nature of disability: Polio affecting the right upper limb & left lower limb
Education: M.A. (English Literature), Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
Peer Group: His school mates loved him and never for a moment he was discriminated. He is proud to have half a dozen Doctors, an IAS, an IRS & a Brigadier among his school mates who are still in close contact.
Family: He is happily married to a normal woman who looks after him as a child. His only son has just completed his MD in General Medicine from Christian Medical College, Vellore.
1. Favorite movie(s)
I am a movie freak, many favorites- Hindi- khub surat, black, tare jameen par, anaamika (old), 3idiots, Aandhi, Any movie with positive theme English- A beautiful mind, Sound of Music, A roman Holiday, Titanic, Shlinders List, Forest Gump, list is endless here too!
2.Favorite books
Toughest question for me on earth, I would rather say my favorite writers/authors- Ayn rand,Ken Follet, Paulo Coelho, OSHO, Jhumpa Lahiri, Stephen Hawking, Khaled Hosseini, John Grisham.
3. Favorite color
White, baby pink, black.
4. Craziest thing that you have ever done in your life
Every important decision in my life looked really crazyyy at that time. Later it proved, when I accepted the reality and mistakes, people started seeing that I work hard!
5.Most Valuable thing that you have purchased till now
My cell phone Nokia N95- I am greedy still as I am a technology addict. Still looking for some more goodys like apple iPhone etc..
6. If you are marooned on an island what 5 things you would like to keep with you
My wheelchair, Leg braces, endless supply of books & food, writing paraphernalia, Oh forgot my spectacles!
7. Favorite food
Not a foodie.. enjoy both south and north Indian dishes. Any thing Spicy/masala chalega!
8. Your biggest strength
My Courage. My husband Anand, My parents, My aunty and uncle (not necessarily in the same order!)
9. If you take birth again, who would you like to be born as? Sai Padma Only, but With more wisdom to start the same work, earlier and for disabled in focus. I am a happy person. Every adversity is an opportunity.
The thing(s) that you hate
Hypocrisy, Double standards, Autocracy, Making human relations a business.
9. The first thing you do right after awaking up in the morning
I will sit and meditate. It can be 5 minutes or 50 minutes depending on my physical condition. Then try to shift into wheelchair with stiff hands and legs…hahhaha
10. The last thing you before falling asleep in the night
Talk to my husband about the day. Read for 10 minutes.
11. You prefer sons or daughters?
Daughters of course; I feel I can raise them better than boys
12. Oft-repeated word/sentence by you
There is ABILITY in the word DISABILITY itself- focus on that.
13. If world is going to be destroyed in next 5 minutes. What would you
do during this time?
I would call my parents and aunt and uncle and my mother-in-law, friends and would tell them “You have not only taught me the value of life but enabled me to enjoy it fully- I love you so much!” And simply hold the hand of my husband and enjoy the death coming near us!
14. What was your resolution on the new year?
Not to react to set-backs. There is so much to do. Focus more on disability centric programs and projects.
15. The best gift that somebody can offer to you?
Nokia 9900 touch or Coolest Laptop. ( I am shameless and got to be modest also when someone gifts!)
16. Your bedroom take fire what would you rescue at first?
My Wheel Chair/braces
17. The town/country that you want to visit?
An accessible trip to all wonders of the world
18. If you can meet one person of your choice, dead or alive, known or
not, who would this be?
Mother Theresa, Jiddu Krishnamurthy, OSHO, Hellen Keller, Ernest Hemingway,
19. If you could change one thing your past, what would it be?
I would change the delay in my perceptions on GROWTH AND ACCEPTANCE OF
DISABILITY PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY! If such delay is
changed, I can help many like me in this journey!
20.Would you allow us to give your email id in the published interview in case people may want to contact you or want to get motivated by looking at you.
My e-mail ID: saipadma@gmail.com sai.globalaid@gmail.com anyone can contact me!
