THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Dec 12: Palamu’s son Rajesh Kumar Mehta, 25, is a forgotten hero on his own soil.
The youth who lost his left leg in a road accident in 2004, has brought laurels for India, Jharkhand and Palamu by bagging a gold medal in para throw ball contest held in Cambodia.
His victory and glory are just some weeks old but he looks like a forsaken youth. He needs no sympathy. He is above it.
A hero without sponsors
Rajesh needs sponsors. And no one is coming forward. This is not a plight in simple terms. It’s a tragedy of talent.
Rajesh wants to carve a niche for himself in the para game. But his dreams will come true only when he is economically rehabilitated. Sponsors can do this.
There is no hand to prop him up. He is doing his graduation with English honours. He needs a job.
The Jharkhand Story correspondent tried to find out why this gold winner is so alone in his battle of daily chores of life.
A good number of people just don’t know what is para or what is para throw ball. They said they are only familiar with para teachers and no ball in cricket and volleyball.
Asked how to help Rajesh the vox populi is “Honour this guy in the Republic Day function in the police line ground. Donations will pour in.”
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Police efforts provided temporary relief
Palamu police has thrown its weight behind him. SP Reeshma Ramesan gave him cash. SP arranged more wherewithal for him from Grasim Industries in Rehla. It enabled Rajesh to reach Cambodia.
However, SP Reeshma Ramesan’s concern is how to make Rajesh economically stronger either by way of proper and adequate sponsorship or by job.
Police can neither sponsor nor give job. Reeshma Ramesan wants some such thing for this para throw ball player to sustain him for longer in life. Games are not only competitive but costlier too.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Ops) Rakesh Singh suggested that there may be a chance and opportunity for Rajesh under the Khelo India campaign.
Ministry of Sports be it at the centre or in the state of Jharkhand can come forward to help this youth.
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Call for institutional support
The Palamu administration should send a report on him to the Department of Sports and Culture in the Jharkhand government.
This one-legged champion can be an icon for many such who are struggling within without the society knowing about him anymore.
Organizations like Rotary International, Giants Group, Lion’s Club etc which have their roots in Daltonganj should step out for bailing out this player.
Today SP Reeshma Ramesan and her team felicitated Rajesh in a heartwarming way. There was no speech or rhetoric but a hard and plain question to all help Rajesh. Give him what he wants.
