Originally reported and written in 2024.

This is a story of incredible grit, determination and hard work. Mayabhai Bhammar, 25, was six years old when he was diagnosed with polio. He developed a fever, and the doctor in the village gave him an injection. When he woke up the next morning, he could not use his legs.

Bewildered and traumatised, his family did not know how to deal with this serious problem. “For four years, I stayed at home. Fortunately, my parents got to know about a residential school in Veraval for children with disabilities. I studied there from Class 1 to 8,” says Maya.

It was hard being away from family, but the school provided free accommodation, food and education. This was a boon for the family, which was not well-off. Maya, who belongs to Bhavnagar, is the youngest among five siblings. His father and two older brothers are farmers. His two older sisters are married.

After Class 8, Maya joined a school in Uvarsad village in Gandhinagar to complete Class 12. He then enrolled in L D Arts College in Ahmedabad to pursue a BA in sociology.

A second home that built his future

When he was doing his graduation, Maya came to know about Blind People’s Association (BPA), Ahmedabad, one of the largest NGOs in India working for the entire continuum of services for all categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). 

Maya found a second home and family at BPA.........

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