Disabled youth aspires to scale new heights

Twenty-three-year-old Gaikwad was chosen for his proficiency in playing the tabla. Despite being paralysed waist downwards and partially in the right arm, he obtained the title of Sangeet Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. His has also performed on AIR.

Nitin’s story is one of sheer determination triumphing over the biggest odds. When barely three months old, he suffered a bout of fever and was admitted to the ICU at Sassoon Hospital. His chances of survival were slim. But next morning, the baby smiled feebly — a sight etched forever in Dnyaneshwar’s memory. But the damage had been done. The child was diagnosed with polio and was paralysed, at the time, neck downward. Thus began the Gaikwads’ struggle amid never-ending hope.

The breakthrough came on a visit to the Bal Kalyan Sanstha. On his first attempt with the tabla, he found he could not raise his right arm high enough to play. Encouraged by family members and guided by his teachers Dattatreya Bhave and Diwan, he took to the tabla with a commitment.

Everyday, his father puts Nitin on a tricycle and wheels it to the Bank of Baroda at Ashoknagar, where he sells cigarettes. “It was the only way I could ensure Nitin became independent,” says Dnyaneshwar.

He wanted Nitin to earn a decent living by managing a PCO booth. Nitin received a phone booth from the Lions Club of Pune Sarasbaug, but the problem was finding a place. Finally, the MSEB staff pitched in to help and the booth was placed at MSEB quarters.

In the evenings, Nitin also runs tabla classes at his residence and is preparing for the Sangeet Alankar examination.

The award has given Nitin a new direction. “I am happy that my efforts have been recognised,” he says. “I will aim for greater proficiency with the tabla. I want to start a bigger class. I aim to set up an institute to help people like,” he says, beaming with pride.