Dear Readers,
I recently read a book,viz:
Children of a Better God, by Susmita Bagchi. I leave you with my review.
Happy Eid.
Best regards,
Lubna
What is our first impulsive reaction when you see a child afflicted with cerebral palsy? Unless we are aware, we tend to think that the child would also be having a low IQ and would be unable to learn and find a place in society. Nothing can be further from the truth. These children are perfectly normal mentally, even as they may be physically disabled.
The author, Susmita Bagchi, happened to attend a Christmas party at the Spastics Society of Karnataka and saw for herself how these children do not wallow in self pity but make the best of what life has on offer. Soon thereafter she went to the Society to buy some greeting cards made by the students and met the Principal of the School run by this Society. The Principal expressed her anguish that most people are totally ignorant about cerebral palsy and society does not really accept these children. This exchange of conversation prompted Susmita to pen this book to make us more aware of the issues faced by such children. She spent time volunteering at this Society and was touched by the grit, determination and courage of the students and their caretakers. While the characters and some events in this book have been fictionalised there is nothing fictional about the issues, the struggles, the disappointments and dreams of these children and those who take care of them.
The main character in this book is Anupurba who is forced to return to India from the USA, owing to her husband’s transfer. In the USA, she was an art teacher and is now finding time hanging heavily on her hands. She runs into a university friend and is introduced to Asha Jyoti, a school for children afflicted with cerebral palsy. Overcoming her initial fears, she volunteers as an art teacher. While she teaches the children to mix paint and obtain various shades in their paintings, it is she who learns a valuable lesson of how never to quit in the face of adversity.
While the language of this book is simple, it packs a powerful punch. Some events even made me cry. A big bonus is that it contains photographs of the drawings/paintings of the children of the Spastics Society of Karnataka (the cover of the book is also one such painting). These drawings are beautiful and detailed. They radiate joy and happiness; you can see flowers, smiling faces, a man sailing up with a bunch of balloons. Courage, faith and optimism shines through every page of this book. For instance, this book also depicts Noor, a student of this school who today manages the Health Centre run by Asha Jyoti.
There are many Noor’s in this world, some of whom have been given a chance to be part of society, yet others are waiting in the shadows. If you can volunteer your time do find out about the Spastics Society in your city and reach out, or alternatively donate.
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