Nothing is impossible: A tale of dedication

                        

PS BALI

'Nothing is Impossible in this world' is in what Shallu Gupta believes in. Hailing from Ambgrota village near Kot Bhalwal, Shallu is handicapped by both hands but her determination and dedication to achieve her maintained aim of becoming a lecturer is firm and currently she is working as a contractual lecturer in Computer Science at Commerce College Jammu.

Born in 1978, Shallu met with a tragic accident, when she was only 17 years of age, where she lost her both hands and was on bed for at least five months. "In 1995, while installing television antenna at terrace, I came in contact with live wires and went unconscious and when I awoke I found both my hands missing, at that time it was hurting but support of my family made me stand again," Shallu said with smile on her face.

Even after losing both hands, Shallu was not depressed, so she continued her studies and did her intermediate from Government Higher Secondary School Mubarak Mandi, immediately followed by graduation in Science from Parade College for women with support of her family. "It was hard time for me to get out of the trauma, but 110 per cent support of my family especially my brother, who always stood next to me for my rescue, helped me a lot to fulfill my desires," said Shallu. After completing graduation, Shallu went for Masters Degree at Jammu University, but it was not her step. "After  finishing graduation, my mentor, Chandershekar advised me to go for masters in Computer Sciences, it was blind hit from my side, but I got admission and in University I used to be shy and less talkative, but friends of mine constantly backed me, which helped me to complete it", said Shallu. During her studies, she was adjourned as the best student and was conferred with a scholarship. Acting as an inspiration for many disabled persons, Shallu is of the opinion that nothing is impossible if you have that instinct to achieve targets. Working as a contractual lecturer, for past six years, Shallu is satisfied with her position but is still envisaging permanent lecturer post to serve Jammu people. "I always had an aim to be lecturer and with the God's blessings, after completing my masters, I got chance to teach computers as a contractual lecturer, which somehow satisfied me."

About future plans, Shallu said that she wanted to be a permanent lecturer and for this she is aiming for PhD and is studying hard to qualify NET exams. On whether, did she ever felt that people are underestimating her, Shallu said that at times some elements questioned about her potential, and every time she have to prove herself. When Shallu was questioned about government support, she said that never we did approached government for any help not did government reached us to assist. "I am self dependent and with the grace of god and support of my family and friends around me, I achieved what I had always aimed, now only thing that I want from government is my right of being a permanent lecturer," said Shallu, adding that she is all qualified of being a permanent lecturer, "I had a degree, experience and moreover that spark to enlighten others with the wisdom."