Rajaram Sridhar, the founder trustee of Maitri Educational and Charitable Trust, is clearly an inspiration to all the physically-challenged who are intimidated by the odds.

Crippled by polio in 1947, when he was 18 months young, Sridhar had more than his disability to contend with. In the days of his childhood, the 'handicapped' had nothing to look forward to. Without the benefit of formal education, the short-wave radio turned out to be his greatest teacher. He learnt the nuances of the English language by listening to programmes from BBC. He also learnt German and even mastered the ancient science of astrology. With his wheelchair, this social worker has covered more than 20,000 kms!

The Uttarkasi earthquake prompted Sridhar to channel available resources and deliver it at Uttarkasi, to bring succour to the victims. His friends went to schools, colleges and door-to-door, soliciting donations, both in cash and kind, for the relief effort. The collection reached such proportions that Sridhar had to move out of his room to make space for it.

Maitri, started by him in 1991, has a network of volunteers who intervene to prevent families from breaking up, provide sponsorship to educate disadvantaged children, help in disaster-affected areas and organise medical camps. This NGO also aims at reaffirming the fact that people like Sridhar are not looking for the sympathy of the so-called 'normal' people. His plan for the future is to establish an orphanage with opportunities given to the orphans to excel in whatever activity they show aptitude and interest in.

Address: Maitri, 17/2, Nathamuni Street, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017.

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