The Hindu : Front Page : A spark of `asha' in their lives!

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 13, 2005

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A spark of `asha' in their lives!

Staff Reporter

ALL SMILES: Aishwarya after surgery. Photo: K. Ramesh Babu

HYDERABAD: She shares not just the name but looks as well with Aishwarya Rai. But this cute child has a congenital deformity - a cleft lip. However, all that will be a thing of the past soon. Three-year-old Aishwarya has undergone plastic surgery and is on her way to regain her good looks. She is among scores of persons with deformities in Ranga Reddy district who are slowly getting back the functional use of their limbs.

The best part is that they are doing so without spending a pie. In collaboration with Aakar Asha Foundation, the district administration has undertaken community-based rehabilitation. Since March, nearly 140 persons with deformities of head, neck, upper limbs and legs have been treated.

On Monday 62 persons, who underwent plastic surgery, were examined by the plastic surgeon, Bharathendu Swain. The foundation was set up to perpetuate the memory of his father, Narsingh Swain, former DGP, Orissa.

Several patients explained how they suffered deformities and were now feeling better after surgery. Roja of Kathereddypally in Moinabad Mandal, suffered extensive burns on her face and hands when she caught fire while warming hands over fire during a chilly winter.

Now she is recovering fast and is back to school. Venkatreddy of Chevella was a similar case. "I was terribly afraid of the operation. But Dr. Swain encouraged me and now I am able to speak," he said.

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