Durbal inspires the disabled

The programme was all part of the ministry’s “Health and Wellness Fair.”

Bhawani, 55, is visually impaired, while Suzette has a physical disability that impedes her walking. They were both born with their condition.

The Ministry encouraged people to run, or walk, or wheel around the Savannah in an attempt to stay active and healthy. Representatives from 14 disability groups with whom the Ministry works attended the event.

When Bhawani heard about Durbal leading the walk around the Savannah, he knew he had to take part. He also encouraged his wife, Suzette, to attend. It was her first time attempting to walk around the Savannah.

“If Rajesh Durbal could do it, then we certainly can. The emphasis is on health and wellness, and we can try to be healthier,” Bhawani said. Bhawani wants to keep an active life by walking more, but he said, “Many parts of the country are not conducive to walks, but the Savannah is fine. Unlike our village, there is not much rough terrain there.”

Although the couple were the last to start the walk, they moved at their own pace, and took a brisk walk around the Savannah. Throughout the walk, Bhawani held on to his wife’s arm as she guided him. It took them approximately an hour and a half to complete the lap, and they were received by people applauding them as they crossed the finish line.

Bhawani and Suzette have been married for 13 years, and they have learned to overcome many challenges with their disabilities.

“Believe it or not, I enjoy being disabled because there is no such thing as disability. It is just a different way of doing things,” Suzette told Newsday as she caught her breath.

She proudly boasted that she and Bhawani do not have anyone living with them so they could get assistance.

“What I can’t do, he can do. We help each other,” she said.

When asked about the walk, Suzette said: “It was a good walk, and I am glad I did it. I don’t walk much, but I want to be healthy. I wanted to show people that anything you put your mind to, you can do. If you are challenged, life does not stop at one place. It stops only when you don’t do all you can.”

Harrilal Singh, president of Combined Disabilities of Trinidad and Tobago (CDTT) wheeled himself around the Savannah. Singh, 65, has been confined to a wheelchair for 45 years because of an accident that severed his spinal chord.

Like Durbal, Singh has not let his disability hinder him from keeping active in his life. When Singh was younger, he and other persons in wheelchairs used to have unassisted wheeling sessions around the Savannah.

“Long ago we used to do this with the group. But that was many years ago. That’s for young people now,” he said.

Though Singh admitted that it was his age and not his disability that stopped him from becoming active, he said he wants to encourage all persons to take Durbal’s example, and not let their situation stop them from achieving their goals.

It took Durbal and Minister Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh approximately 25 minutes to cross the finish line. Durbal said it was a “wonderful run,” but challenging because of the hot temperature.