Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Inspired by the district administration’s educational initiative ‘Dashasutri’, an entire village along with a school came together to support a differently-abled student. Vaishnavi Navnath Mapari, a Class 10 student from Vaijapur, was born without one leg from the hip, making the fitting of an artificial limb extremely complex. With her family facing financial constraints, arranging treatment seemed nearly impossible. However, the school and villagers stepped forward, raising funds to provide her with a modern artificial limb. On February 9, Vaishnavi walked to school on her own for the first time. Many present described it as an emotional moment, attributing the achievement to the ‘Dashasutri’ initiative launched by district collector Deelip Swami, who also welcomed Vaishnavi at the school.
Why was fitting the artificial limb complex?
Teacher Babasaheb Jagtap consulted doctors regarding Vaishnavi’s condition. As she did not have a hip joint, attaching an artificial limb posed a serious challenge since such limbs must align with an existing joint for balance. After contacting several organisations, Wings Ortho agreed to design a specialised limb costing Rs 2.40 lakh. Funds were raised through community contributions. From January 1 to 27, Vaishnavi, her parents and teacher stayed in Mumbai, where she underwent trials and training to walk, sit and carry out daily movements with the artificial limb.
Modest family background
Sixteen-year-old Vaishnavi studies at Kailas Patil Secondary School in Vaijapur. Following a tragic incident early in life, her left leg had to be amputated from the hip. Since then, she had been moving by hopping on one leg, unable to enjoy childhood activities like other children. Her father is a farmer and her mother a homemaker, and despite limited financial means, she continued her education. Continuous strain on one leg affected her spinal balance, leading to further medical complications and repeated consultations.
Photo caption:
Vaishnavi after being fitted with the artificial limb; in another photograph, district collector Deelip Swami presents a book to her.