Mahapur Village (near Latur), MAHARASHTRA :
The success saga of a youth who was born without hands. He was able to conquer disability with determination
Latur :
Disability may limit the body, but it cannot confine the spirit when fuelled by determination and support. This fact is exemplified by Gaus Sheikh, a young student from Mahapur, a village near Latur city in Maharashtra, whose extraordinary journey of resilience and success is a source of inspiration for many.
Born without both hands, Gaus Sheikh’s life was marked by challenges from the very beginning. His father, an employee at an ashram school, and his mother, a homemaker, raised him with love and positivity, considering him a blessing from Allah rather than a burden. Despite his physical condition, they nurtured his abilities, believing in his potential.
When Gaus started school, his peers wrote with their hands, but he was unable to do the same. Undeterred, his parents and teachers encouraged him to write by holding a pencil with his toes. Through relentless practice, he not only mastered the art of writing with his foot but also developed exceptional handwriting that could make anyone envious.
Academically, Gaus continued to shine. He consistently topped his class, scoring an impressive 89% in his 10th-grade exams and 78% in the science stream in 12th grade. Currently, he is pursuing his arts degree at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Latur.
Despite the allowances granted to disabled students, such as extra time during examinations, Gaus has never sought such concessions. Instead, he completed his papers within the standard time of three hours and often with additional material, showcasing his exceptional capabilities and determination.
Reflecting on his achievements, Gaus humbly credits his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He says, “Those who are aware of the hard work of parents, if their steps do not go astray, they lead us in the right direction. Do not hurt your parents who themselves bear the heat and rain and give you shelter.”
Gaus has adapted to his physical limitations with remarkable resilience. Describing his daily life, he shared, “Since I don’t have hands, my parents help with my bathing and feeding. However, I do as much as possible on my own. I eat food using a spoon with my feet, and I even operate my mobile phone with my toes.”
His aspirations are equally inspiring. Gaus dreams of becoming a chartered officer and has already begun preparing for competitive examinations with unwavering dedication. He expressed, “I want to become an officer and serve society. I believe hard work and consistency can overcome any obstacle.”
His story is not one of seeking sympathy but rather a testament to strength and perseverance. “I don’t cry for not having hands. I practised writing with my toes, and my teachers and family supported me. I even started drawing, and today, I can draw beautiful pictures with a brush held in my toes. I can also play cricket using my feet,” Gaus shared proudly.
His teachers recall his journey with immense pride. One of them noted, “Gaus was never seen as different. His spirit always stood out. His handwriting was better than many students who wrote with their hands. He is truly an inspiration.”
Gaus Sheikh’s story stands as a powerful message for society. It challenges the perception of disability, proving that physical limitations cannot define a person’s capabilities. Through hard work, support, and an unyielding spirit, Gaus has turned his struggles into milestones, reminding us all that true success is measured by perseverance, not physical perfection.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / January 04th, 2025