Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru Jan 12: In a very unfortunate incident, a multifaceted student is facing a crisis after she met with an accident trying to avoid a pothole on Netravati bridge.
Nishmitha P S met with an accident in July last year at Netravati bridge while avoiding a pothole. Nishmitha hails from Kodical, daughter of Sathish Kumar and Nirmala a final year student of MSc in environmental science at Mangalore University in Konaje. She is a very good painter, artist and involved in sports. Unfortunately, the accident has put a full stop on her dreams.
At present, she is working at Mangalore Education Centre in Balmatta. In her final exam, she secured 90% and also bought laurels in painting. She also successfully passed UGC–NET examination held in September 2022.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Nishmitha says, “Last year in July, I was on the way to Mangaluru from Mangalore University. When I reached Netravati bridge, there was a vehicle right in front of me and the pothole was not visible. The pothole was filled with water and while trying to avoid the same, I met with an accident. Auto rickshaw drivers took me to Thokottu hospital for treatment. I was later shifted to Mangaluru for surgery.
“After the accident, I was tensed on how to write my exam which was scheduled in the month of August 2022 as my right hand was injured. I had prepared for UGC-NET which was very important and I prepared so well. Luckily, it got postponed. Even though I was given extra time to write the university exam, I could not score much as I expected. Despite knowing the answers, I could not write well,” she says.
She also says, “It has been five months since the accident. A rod and six screws are inserted in my right hand. Sometimes due to pain, swelling can be seen on the right hand. I was more inclined towards painting, mandal and portrait art and used to sell it to my clients. Mandal art needs 18 hours for one to complete. Apart from painting, I was into kabaddi and shot-put. After the unfortunate accident, I am unable to paint and continue sports.
“The government is not doing anything. They collect tax, toll and fines for not wearing helmet and seat belts. It is the government or concerned authority’s duty to do repair and maintain the roads. Just because I met with an accident, the pothole at Netravati bridge was filled within a day. The road at Kottara near residence is bad. Are they waiting someone to meet my fate and then repair it?” she asks.
Nishmitha’s mother Nirmala says, “When my daughter met with the accident, I was shell-shocked. She was lucky to suffer only so much. It is the government’s duty to maintain the road as they collect toll and taxes from the public. Potholes have led to many accidents, especially two-wheelers. Hence the potholes have to be repaired at the right time.”
Recently Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel’s statement advising party workers to not discuss about roads and drainages, but only about love jihad had led to outrage among people where MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty had defended MP’s statement. The opposition leaders are meant to condemn the statements and unfortunately no one is concentrating to maintain roads and sparing a thought for public safety. Nishmitha has to suffer for a long period of time and the elected representatives have not shown any concern towards her or the public.