Fighting against all odds

Like Ghose there are many disabled soldiers who are undergoing training at QMTI. The Queen Mary8217;s Technical Institute for the disabled soldiers is the only institution of its kind in India today. Located in a spacious area near Kadki station, it houses the administrative block, machine-tool workshops and various sections that impart training to the disabled ex-servicemen, servicemen and their dependents. 8220;The soldier or the sailor or the airman, who by force of circumstances has been rendered disabled and, therefore, incapable of serving the nation further on active duty, is provided with not only the incentive but also useful technical training to enable him to earn his living and thus support his family once again,8221; explains the Executive Director of Institute, Col.A. K. Moghe Retd.

The patients requiring long term treatment at the Miltary Hospital, Khadki, also come here to receive training in different trades and vocations while under treatment.

8220;Most important is their psychological condition which we have to attend to. Instilling confidence is very important as these soldiers are in the prime of their lives. The institution kindles a ray of hope in their hearts and once the training period is over we do our best to find a job for them,8221; says Lt.Gen. N.S. Cheema who is in-charge of administration.

The institute which has completed 77 years of existence in its present location was founded by the Countess of Willingdon in 1917 during World War I. She established the institution first at Braganza hall, Bombay, which was then owned by Sir Jacob Sasson Baronet. The Countess issued an appeal to all the ruling princess and philanthropists and collected over Rs 20 lakh to give the institution a sound financial start. The institution moved to its present location in Khadki in 1922. This was the site of the artillery position in the historic Battle of Kirkee in 1817.

The institute has the President of India as the chief patron and the Governor of the state as the vice patron. There is a board of directors which is headed by the Sub Area Commander Pune. This board is responsible for running the affairs of the institution assisted by a secretary who is also the executive director. 8220;It is an entirely private charity-based educational trust without any regular financial assistance from the government or the armed forces,8221; says Moghe.

The deputy director of the institute, Lt.Col.P. Gore retd adds, 8220;The notable aspect of the QMTI is that its training has been recognised by the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, Government of Maharashtra. The Government of India decided in 1972 to affiliate this institution to the National Council for Training in Voacational Trades.8221;

He further adds, 8220;The institution is a recognised industrial training institute and the trainees now stand a better chance for employment anywhere in the country.8221;

8220;On the admission to this institute,8221; Gore explains, 8220;Our first preference is for disabled army personnel and ex-servicemen. Civilians too are granted permission on the percentage of disability. Generally, among the civilians, polio patients are admitted. We help them to become self-reliant. The course enables them to start their own business and we also help them in finding employment.

Like any vocational institute we also have campus selection.8221;

The dependents of the disabled ex-servicemen are also given admission as day scholars on payment of training fees. The ex-servicemen students are given free boarding and lodging facilities at the institute.

The institute at present offers 11 vocational courses. These include training for fitter, diesel mechanic, motor mechanic, welder, radio and TV mechanic, electronics, short hand typing, electrician, cutting and tailoring and the newly introduced computer course. 8220;We are constantly updating the courses. Most of the courses are ITI recognised,8221; says Moghe.

The speciality of this institute is the previous educational qualification is not considered for admission. 8220;Many of the disabled soldiers may not be matriculate but we allow them to do the course. The servicemen are free to select any course,8221; says Gore.

8220;We have one-year as well as two-year courses. All the classes are equipped with the desired material for the particular course. 8220;We have regular customers who purchase what the students make,8221; says Gore pointing to the sales service room.

8220;When I initially came here I was undergoing a phase of depression. But when I saw that people on wheelchairs were determined to make a future, I got a lot of confidence,8221; says Lance Naik S.B Sheikh who was hit on his hand by a bullet. 8220;This institute has instilled a lot of confidence in me,8221; adds Sheikh who is doing the TV radio mechanic course. 8220;I plan to set up my own shop on the completion of the course,8221; he says.

Recently the director had a meditation course for the students. 8220;We always try to instil confidence in our students in all possible ways. The course has been really beneficial to them,8221; says Moghe.

The QMTI has been rightly following their motto in letter and spirit 8212; Though bent and broken with a prop I have revived, offering shade with my foliage and fruit.8217;