‘Artificial limbs are no hindrance’
The Jaipur Limb Camp is on till January 11
Dr G Yathiraj, whose both legs were amputated at 14 years of age, was busy screening people with disability at the Jaipur Limb Camp organised by Rotary Bangalore, Peenya, on Thursday.
The septuagenarian is not only one of the best physiotherapists in the State but also a living example of how life can go undeterred even after amputation. Dr Yathiraj, who counselled over 100 people at the camp, said the crippled feeling that one experiences after losing a leg is more a matter of mind.
“The best way to overcome it is to stop seeing the loss of a leg as a problem and to get on with life,” he said.
Having lived with prosthetics for 65 years now, he does not deny the discomfort involved in using artificial limbs. However, he reiterates time and again that it is just a matter of time before one gets accustomed to it.
Injury proves fatal
Looking back Dr Yathiraj recounts how both his legs were amputated due to an injury in the leg which developed into an infection finally proving fatal. “I lost my legs when I was barely 14 years old in 1946, when medical science was at its nascent stage. However, loss of my legs has taught me some of the biggest lessons in life,” said Yathiraj.
Inspired by an English nurse, who trained him during his stay at the hospital, he later took up a course in BPT (Bachelors of Physiotherapy). He worked in the Bharat Gold Mines hospital in Kolar Gold Fields for over 45 years, where he even secured his PhD.
He was feted with a national award in recognition of his invaluable service. “Mental agony takes an upper hand than physical pain when an individual suffers loss of a leg,” he noted.
Counselling plays a crucial role in enabling the patients to see the brighter side of life, he added. “My life is an example in itself. Nothing can deter you in your life unless you allow it to,” said Dr Yathiraj.
The Jaipur Limb Camp will be on till January 11 at Ganesh Bagh, Infantry Road (Mahaveer Road), Shivajinagar.
