One of the worst things that can cripple you in life is blindness. If one is born blind, it is one thing. If it comes about due to an accident, it is a momentous calamity and the climb back to normal life can be quite an arduous one. Gurcharan Singh's world went perpetually dark when he met with an accident while attempting to rescue a child during a mountaineering trip. Despite the tragedy that turned his whole world upside down, Gurcharan or Gulshan as his friends call him, is definitely upbeat about life. Here are excerpts from an interview…

Reporter> Gulshan, Would you like to tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
Gulshan> I am a Sikh and my family roots are in Jarkhand and Punjab. These days I work as an acupressure therapist at the Pushpanjali Crosslay Hospital in Ghaziabad. At home in Jarkhand, I have mummy, daddy, four sisters (3 married and 1 unmarried), my wife and a son.

Reporter> How difficult was it to take loss of eyesight?
Gulshan> It was tough. It took me two years to accept darkness (Silence). Fortunately, I met a person who went through a similar loss. He helped me prepare myself for the life ahead. I am better than those who are blind by birth. I can understand few things better, comparatively. People ask me what do I see with my eyes - Black? Or White? Colour? No! There is just nothing... I have experienced light but now there is only darkness. However, my world is full of creativity, imagination, humor, annoyance, tolerance and large portion of forgiveness.

Reporter> Life must've become difficult, isn't it?
Gulshan> Yeah well it is but as they say, when the going becomes tough, the tough get going. Everything to do with vision like movies, TV, fine clothes don't matter so much now. Maybe I am more spiritual now...

Reporter> Do you think a lot about problems/ challenges?
Gulshan> No, Not always! But there are days when I complain to God... “Either change the world or return back my eyes!” But you know life is about creating yourself within the given limitations and resources. Even people with eyes cannot see many things for instance “Air” but they feel it, enjoy it... similarly blind people also enjoy life. And what's life without challenges huh? I anyways loved mountain climbing...

Reporter> What would you like to say to common people?
Gulshan> Two things: (1) Special (Disabled) people do not always need pity or sympathy or alms or money. I earn okay for myself and my family. Why should I be called “Bechara”, or “Gareeb”? I am not a beggar. What disabled people really need is support from society and opportunities to do things like normal people; and (2) Please do not be hesitant in talking to us.

Reporter> What are your expectations from society?
Gulshan> Why Expect? Expectations hurts sometimes… Government go about things their way. People have their lives to live. Nothing is going to happen easily or fast enough. Though it would be nice to have a society where people are more accepting and interact with the disabled more rather than marginalizing them. I would request your readers to give opportunities where disabled children can talk with normal people, build inclusive schools and inclusive society. Society should not just see from eyes but also look with the heart. Language of kindness should be made more popular.

Reporter> Are people hesitant in talking to you?
Gulshan> They don't hesitate to help but will not start a chat so easily. Not many people say hello. Why should they? Somehow I think they have seen so many blind or disabled people asking for alms that they are afraid that I will also ask for money if they start a conversation. Others do not care. For instance I was waiting for a bus and asked a chap to inform me when the bus I was waiting for arrived. He just got onto a bus and went away and I never knew. I kept waiting and waiting...

Finally, I asked someone else and he helped. This also happens with me at metro stations, people can be a little more helpful and communicative in letting us know what's happening around us. Talk to us, blindness is not a communicable disease.

Reporter> What are your hobbies?
Gulshan> Music. I love old Hindi film songs. I hear TV and Radio. My family are my eyes. They keep me updated about everything that is going on in this world.

Reporter> Please tell us about your work life?
Gulshan> Luckily, Disability is not a hurdle in a acupressure therapist's job. I am happy that I bring relief to those in pain. That makes me happy. For any employer to think that blind person cannot work is very wrong. Telephones and Computers have become handy, especially with special softwares for people like me. The biggest challenge is travelling between home and work.

Gurcharan Singh with his wife Charanjit Kaur.

Reporter> When traveling alone, how do you find your way around and how do you remember places/locations?
Gulshan> Actually it is difficult to answer. When God takes away a thing from us, he replaces it with something really better. Our other senses are more developed. ‘Sound’, ‘Smell’ and ‘Feel of the place’. These are some signs for recognition. I never hesitate to ask people for guidance and help when I travel alone. Way people drive in Delhi is even unsafe for people with eyes and you are asking me?

Reporter> Tell us about your wife and son?
Gulshan> My wife is Charanjit Kaur. It was an arranged marriage. My wife accepted me, as I am. She is a strong woman, a gem! Prior to marriage she said, “Would I leave her if she had gone blind in an accident after marriage?” That made me speechless and my family felt that she understood our feelings. I feel really blessed to have her as my life partner. And.. now my blessings are doubled with our four month old son, Yashraj Singh. He is very tender, warm, delicate and soft!

Reporter> What message do you want to give to families who have a child(ren) with disability?
Gulshan> Everyone's situation is different. However, I would request, please DO NOT cage your child at home! Do not isolate her/him! Many with disability are able to live by themselves like me. Find places where your child can prepare and get training. Treat them no different from normal children. What disabled people need is Love, Understanding, Encouragement and most importantly, finding right support group for his/her particular disability.

Reporter> What’s your message for today’s youth?
Gulshan> Young people can learn self responsibility, leadership and determination from us. See, how we work in spite of limitations and challenges. Also, young people should celebrate their life, their eyes and loved ones. What I hear is how youth are so involved in themselves, their gadgets and personal lives, they have no time for family and/or friends. Do not be over busy in a manmade world. “Kya pata, kal ho na ho…” I would be strict on those who don't listen to their elders, parents or teachers and declare them blind!

Reporter> Gulshan you are a brave and strong fighter. Indeed an inspiration for everyone. We at “God Bless Our Home” wish you good luck. May God bless you and your family.
Gulshan> Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Do share your thoughts! Write to me at:editor@godblessourhome.in