Hands-on Professor

Mahatma Pandey has not let his handicap prevent him from chasing his dreams

AHATMA Pandey sits on a chair in a classroom at a suburban college in Mumbai and writes on the blackboard using his left foot. This may sound strange,but it is a familiar sight for the students of Sathaye College. Pandey,an assistant professor at the college,was born without hands. However,he does not consider this a handicap and says he has never felt inferior to anyone or that he lacks something.

Be it writing,playing his favourite game (carrom) or even eating,he does everything using the left foot. I have never considered this as any kind of disability and I dont want anyone to pity me or sympathise with me. As I was born without hands,from an early age I started writing with my left foot and it became a habit. I dont even feel that I dont have hands, says Pandey who teaches Hindi at Sathaye College and will turn 29 next month.

After completing his MA and MPhil in Hindi from Jawaharlal Nehru University,Delhi,he cleared the National Eligibility Test. He started teaching at Sathaye College in 2007. When asked if he had to struggle a lot,Pandey replies in the negative.

I never asked for a writer for any of my exams. I have got tremendous support from all my family members. At JNU,I had to stay in a hostel and was away from my family. My friends supported me a lot. This is my first job and I am happy here. I am treated like an equal, he said.

Though he has a tough schedule and travels from Kalyan to the college in Vile Parle,Pandey says he has no complaints. Everyone has always encouraged me and helped me pursue my dreams. I have no reason to complain, he said.

Kavita Rege,principal,Sathaye College,says,He has overcome all odds and is good in his subject. He can write well using his foot,even on the blackboard. He is an inspiration for students, she said.

Pandey is pursuing his PhD in Hindi from Mumbai University. He is also helping his wife (Archana) pursue her PhD in Hindi. We got married when Archana was doing her BA, said Pandey.

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Pandey is simultaneously preparing for the Union Public Service Commission exam and wants to be a social worker.

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