Governor’s Diwali Gift Brings Joy to Disabled Siblings
In a touching Diwali gesture, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla brightened the lives of two siblings with severe disabilities by gifting them automatic wheelchairs. For Anita (18) and her brother Sunil (21), both of whom have been 100% disabled since birth due to cerebral palsy, this gift felt like a cherished dream coming true.
The siblings, from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family of Panjani village of Mamlig Sub-Tehsil in Solan district, have faced immense challenges. Their father, Baburam Kunihar, sustains the family by working as a daily wage laborer.
Ajay Shrivastav, President of Umang Foundation, brought the siblings’ situation to the Governor’s attention, highlighting their need for battery-operated wheelchairs. Governor Shukla responded with compassion, instructing the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross to provide two wheelchairs without delay.
Anita and Sunil’s mother, Bina Devi, expressed her gratitude, sharing that her children, who struggle to walk or speak clearly, will now have more mobility. Due to the family’s poverty, remoteness, and lack of resources, the siblings never attended school and spent their days seated in the same spot. With their new wheelchairs, they’ll be able to move around the limited flat space near their home.
Baburam and Bina’s third son, who recently completed his 12th grade, is searching for a job. Despite their BPL status, the family lacks an official IRDP card, which forces them to buy costlier ration supplies. Bina said she never imagined her children would receive such a generous gift on Diwali.
Sanjeev Sharma, Assistant Secretary of State Red Cross, noted that Governor Shukla has donated approximately 20 automatic wheelchairs to BPL families. Representatives from Umang Foundation, along with Virendra Bista from the Red Cross and other social workers, visited Anita and Sunil’s home to deliver the wheelchairs, marking a Diwali they’ll cherish for years.
