Mangalore: Overcoming Physical Constraints to Serve Humanity—Beena Banz

  •   Mon, Jun 01 2009
  •   By Rajesh S - <br>Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda <br>Daijiworld Media Network Mangalore

Feb 10, 2009

Mangalore, Feb 10:  Her dream was to serve people to the best of her abilities. Her aim was to lend a helping hand those in suffering. But a tragic accident shattered all her dreams.

But refusing to give up even after the cruel blow dealt by fate, she has thrown herself whole-heartedly into her work.

This triumph of human spirit has been shown by Beena Maria Banz.  She is a living example for those who are lazy to do work even when they are in the best of health. Seeing her move through the AccuNova Section in Kasturba Medical College (KMC) on a wheelchair, is enough to inspire hope in all.    

The clinical research assistant was rendered a paraplegic after an accident in 1997. It is her dedication to serving people, which makes her work untiringly each day.

After her accident, she oscillated between unconsciousness and semi-consciousness for months together, besides grappling with the painful realization of her invalid state. At the time of the accident she had been pursuing an internship at Fr Muller’s hospital after finishing her GNM in same institution. 

Her family’s poor economic situation led her to choose nursing as a career. Hence, the accident left her feeling hopeless that she would ever be able to pursue her dream.

However, she got immense support and encouragement at Cheshire Home, the rehabilitation centre in Kankanady. When she was completely bedridden, the Sisters at the home treated her with love and kindness. They not only took care of her, but  also instilled confidence in  her, said Terry Vaz, honourary secretary, Cheshire Home.








 

When she mustered enough confidence to think about working, she was encouraged by Prabha Adhikari, who is a professor in KMC, Attavar.

“I am very happy to work here in KMC. Madam Prabha  Adhikari helped me to be reborn”, said Beena when asked about her work. “I feel that KMC is my palace. I have two palaces—the other one is Cheshire Home”, she added.

As this correspondent talked to her, Beena pointed out her friends who are always willing to lend her a helping hand. 

Cheshire Home

The home looks after economically weak people who suffer physical difficulties, and helps them regain their self-confidence. 

As one enters the home, one can see physically-challenged individuals and elderly women engaged in activities like watering the garden, sewing, making cards through screen printing, embroidery, and the like.                                                   

“As the expenses involved are high, we are in financial trouble with regards to running the home. We look forward to getting support from donors” says Vaz. 

“We have sisters who work for the residents. They have dedicated their life to working for the disabled and physically-challenged people”, she added.

Cheshire Home lays emphasis on training residents to become independent both physically and financially.  The rehabilitation cum vocational centre instructs the residents in the art of making greeting cards and envelopes, hand and machine embroidery, fabric painting, and flower making. 

Recently, they have also introduced training in jasmine and ornamental plant cultivation. Two of its residents attend Mangala Jyothi Integrated School to pursue studies and training.

Cheshire Home is also planning to have vocational training cum day care for disabled children in the neighbourhood, said Vaz.  The home also wants to create an awareness among the public that disability is a human rights issue and the disabled have a right to   education, employment, and a normal life in the mainstream of society, she said outlining future plans. 

The residents here are happy. Most of them have found a new challenge in life. They celebrate national and religious functions here and also learn music and singing.  The annual picnic gives them a glimpse of the outside world.

The Mangalore chapter of the Cheshire Home began as a 12-bed cottage in August 1965. The service-minded people of the city helped realize Lord Cheshire’s dream to set up a rehabilitation centre for those rejected by their families and society. From a tiny  cottage, it has grown to a complete home with  all facilities and is now dreaming of more.  

Cheshire Homes India
Mangalore unit
Cheshire Road, Kankanady  P.O.
Mangalore-575002
Tel. O824-2430468 or 2433231
By Rajesh S - <br>Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda <br>Daijiworld Media Network Mangalore
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Comment on this article

  • Rajashree, Mangalore

    Sun, Feb 22 2009

    I really thank Daiji world.  I have personallyseen  Beena from 2 years. She is my colleague and also she is my best friend. Her positive attitude boosts others. Congratulation Beena. God Bless You. Keep smiling.

  • Jagriti, Mangalore

    Thu, Feb 12 2009

    Ms. Beena Banz, Your positive attitude towards life is indeed a boost to all those who lose hope in the face of difficuties. God bless your efforts and give you the strength to continue what you have set out to achieve.

  • Ronald, Udupi.

    Wed, Feb 11 2009

    I take this opportunity to thank Daijiworld for making us  aware of such wonderful work done by Cheshire Home, and on an earlier article about  ' Jeeva Dhaan ' . All this makes us aware that there are good people who care for the destitudes, the helpless and rejected people. Through their good work GOD BLESSES us all , even though some very bad things take place around us.Why don't these bad people give a helping hand to such noble causes ? When we do good things and respect and give a helping hand to others ,God will bless Karnataka and all people of Karnataka will prosper.

  • Mahesh H. L., Bangalore

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    It is the undying spirit of people like Beena, that keeps humanity surging forward. Congratulations Beena and may you be a source of inspiration for many.

  • Jennet Prescilla, Mangalore / Oman

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    Kudos to Beena Banz. Her grit and determination inspite of her unfortunate accident rendering her physically challenged, is truely praiseworthy. Our prayers and good wishes are always with you Beena. May you be an inspiration for others in similar situations to forge ahead.

  • Cliferd Rodricks, Valencia, Mangalore

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    I am extremely happy today to see this article, I have seen Beena personally, her sufferings, her hatred towards her life at the time of accident, but today she stand her own, I appreciate for her courage & dedication towards others. & Thank all those who supported her, god bless you Beena You are a living EXAMPLE for those depressed in thier life. take care.

  • Eric Coelho, Mangalore/Ajman

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    Good Message to all People. REally this Girl has inspired me. May all her wishes, dreams and good health Come true.

  • Shareef Moideen, Mangalore/ Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Mon, Feb 09 2009

    Beena you inspire to aspire…

  • Carol, Mangalore/KSA

    Mon, Feb 09 2009

    Thank you all for helping Beena Banz. May the Lord shower lots of Blessings on all of you and your institutions.

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    Congratulations and all the best Ms Beena.

  • SANTHOSH, PERLA/DUBAI

    Tue, Feb 10 2009

    Hats off to Cheshire Home & Prof Prabha. Institutions & persons like that are the present requirement of our society to motivate & provide training to the people like Beena to live a self dependent,normal life...


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