He is a role model for many

Known as the ‘polio crusader’, Ramesh Ferris has dedicated his life to the cause of polio eradication. He is now playing a crucial role in sensitising masses about the ailment and the necessary immunisation precautions parents must take to ensure their child enjoys a healthy, disease-free life.

Born in Coimbatore, Ramesh contracted polio when he was just six months old. The disease left his legs paralysed for life. With no means or access to rehabilitation, Ramesh’s mother placed him a year later in Families for Children, an orphanage set up in Coimbatore by Sandra Simpson of Montreal, Canada in 1971. 

Soon after, Ron Ferris, an Anglican Bishop of Yukon, Canada, and his wife Jan adopted Ramesh and brought him over to Canada. With the support of his new Canadian family and after several operations, Ramesh learned to walk with crutches and braces for the first time at the age three-and-half years.

A Rotary polio ambassador, Ramesh has evolved as a person, as an activist with a mission who has charted the course of his life by mapping his strengths rather than focusing on his disability. Not surprising then that he is role model for many patients. 

Speaking to Metrolife about what compelled him to work for polio patients, Ramesh, says, “In 2002, when I came to India, I saw polio victims crawling on the street. I was horrified to see them in such a pitiable state. And at that moment I realised that I wanted to do something for them. That was the time I came to know about Rotary International’s program to eradicate polio and joined hands with them. Notably, in January 2014, India will receive the regional polio-free certification as a polio-free nation with no polio case for three years consecutively.”

Talking about Government policies regarding polio eradication in India, Ramesh, says, “India has created a successful blueprint for other countries in getting rid of this disease. Along with the Government, society too plays an important role to ensure human dignity, especially of polio victims. For this, mass mobilisation also plays an important role.”

 “One should extend financial support to hospitals working for polio victims. Ensuring proper medical facilities for surgeries and rehabilitation of polio survivors is also a must, young doctors and staff should be given proper training in this area, there should be a facility of subsidy for the ‘prosthetic organ’ program run by the hospitals and other non-profit organisations, the expense of a polio operation should be made minimal. Basically, all medical needs of a polio victim and a survivor should be met or made affordable for them. In Canada, my crutches, braces etc are covered by the Government there,” says Ramesh.

Urging polio patients to not lose hope, Ramesh says, “I would like to urge polio survivors in India to come forward, speak up at public platforms, share their story and be a part of this program run by Rotary International. Apart from the eradication drive, survivors should share their success stories and inspire other polio victims. They should be told that they too can be independent and lead a better life.”