Chennai:
A 35-year-old spinal cord injury survivor is inspiring others like her to become achievers. Preethi Srinivasan has launched a website www.soulfree.org to raise awareness on spinal injuries.
At the age of 18, Preethi, a cricketer and a swimmer, was paralysed neck down after a road accident. But today, she is a sought after motivational speaker.
She spends all her income to rehabilitate spinal injury survivors. Her trust provides free wheelchairs and a Rs 1000 per month stipend for one year to many of them. However, her focus is to provide these people with skill development so that we could be employable or become entrepreneurs.
"They can have their own financial stability and can live with dignity and purpose. Many of them are taught they are hopeless, they don't deserve to live. If I can be the face and voice of this section of society, my life is well served," she said
In Madurai, 32-year-old Poosari has scaled new heights after taking inspiration from Preethi. He was bed-ridden for seven years after a spinal injury, but has now taken up farming on a leased land. Though on wheelchair, he has managed a profit of Rs 11,000 on his first crop and now plans to increase the area of cultivation. "Preethi has inspired me. Now I have an urge to succeed. Only my body is disabled, not my heart," he said.
Tamil Nadu's Health Secretary Dr J Radharishnan also appreciated the efforts of Preethi and her team, and assured her of full support.
Mysskin, a well-known film director wants to offer her a role in his film. "I may cast her in my film. They are super talented. We've to give them opportunity to use us," he said.
Joshna Chinnappa, a squash champion said that there was a lot to learn from Preethi. "One thing I've learnt from Preethi is to enjoy every moment. We often complain for silly things".
An estimated 54 people in every one million suffer spine injuries. The treatment is expensive and limited.