Pen in Foot, Expert in Sanskrit.SUBARNAPUR —Paralyzed in both hands since birth due to polio, she cannot even speak normally. In the eyes of the general public, she is differently-abled. However, her extraordinary dedication has amazed everyone. Because her hands are paralyzed, she holds a pen with her foot. Gripping the pen between the toes of her right foot, she naturally writes page after page.
Overcoming her disability right from childhood, she completed her school education. Driven by a desire to study and a curiosity about various subjects, she began learning Sanskrit during high school. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Swastika Panda of Palipada village, under the Binka block of Subarnapur district, studies and competes with other students in Sanskrit. After Swastika’s dedication was highlighted within the Subarnapur Gita Seva Parivar, it has become a topic of widespread public discussion.
Swastika, the daughter of Ajit Panda and Rina Panda from Palipada village (Ward No. 9 of Binika NAC), has been differently-abled since birth. Her father, Ajit, is an ordinary farmer. The parents were initially worried after her birth, but being God-fearing, Ajit and his wife believed there was a divine message behind this and raised their daughter with utmost care. Providing her with a normal environment, they sent her for primary education. Although her hands are inactive and she cannot speak normally, her comprehension skills are far superior to others. Her deep interest in Sanskrit blossomed during her high school years. From Siddhartha Degree College in Binka completing her +2 (higher secondary) education, she is now studying in the second year of her bachelor’s degree. Coincidentally, in 2021 Sadhuram Sahu joined Siddhartha Degree College as a Sanskrit lecturer. After completing his graduation from Rajendra College in Balangir, Sadhuram obtained his master’s degree from the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, followed by an M.Phil., and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. Since Sadhuram himself is partially visually impaired, he could deeply empathize with Swastika struggle. Mr. Sahu shared that he felt it was destiny guiding him to Siddhartha Degree College to mentor Swastika, leading him to offer her specialized guidance. With a dedicated teacher by her side, Swastika, despite her speech impairment, has now achieved proficiency in Sanskrit.
Through strong willpower, relentless hard work, and unwavering self-confidence, she demonstrates her abilities today by holding a pen with her foot. Recognizing her extraordinary perseverance, district coordinator Sitansu Pujahari and Guide Sadhuram Sahu felicitated her with a certificate of honor on behalf of the Sonepur Pragyan Mission. In an era where today’s youth often give up when facing minor obstacles, Swastika journey and dedication serve as a living inspiration. Because Swastika writes with her foot, her handwriting differs from that of typical students. Therefore, her teacher Sadhuram suggested that Swastika would greatly benefit if university authorities consider appointing a dedicated examiner to evaluate her exam answer sheets. Members of the Gita Seva Parivar expressed confidence that Swastika struggle and dedication will undoubtedly lead her to success.Report — Ugrasen Karmi.
Headline dia
