Rishiram tops class writing with toes

By Our Correspondent

Gulmi, Aug 16 : Rishiram Kandel of Chhatrakot Rural Municipality-4, in Gulmi district, writes on paper with the help of his two toes. 

Differently abled by birth, 18-year-old Jandel is a ninth grader. He writes on paper and uses his mobile and laptop using his toes.

Except for two toes of his right leg, his other fingers do not move. Despite that, he is blessed with strong intellectual abilities. 

But he is hardly able to do anything without the support of others. 

He shared his school routine that his father drops him at the school entrance by 10:30 every day and his friends lift him up to his classroom. 

According to Kandel, his school, Syringa Janata Secondary School, has managed its classrooms and toilet for him according to his physical condition.

In the afternoon, his father reaches the school gate at 4:00 pm to pick him up.

"I never felt weak because I got everyone's love, sympathy, and support," he said, expressing optimism.

The only child of his family, Rishiram cannot remember when he started holding a pen with his toes. His family started giving him pencils and pens after he tried to hold something. 

The Kandel family ran from pillar to post for the treatment of their son for five years. After the situation did not improve, the family started to give full attention to his study. 

Laxman Kandel, the father of Rishiram, said, "We have no regret with the situation. Even Rishiram has yet to feel guilty himself."

The fact that he has been coming the first year after year shows that Kandel is a meritorious student said Bikash Chandra Kharel, headmaster of the school. Rishiram outperforms everyone in writing, painting, singing, and acting, among others.

Kharel said the Kandel family and Rishiram are exemplary characters and that everyone should learn from them. 

The school has managed hostel facilities for differently abled students. But Rishi Ram has been attending school from home as he needs a helper. The school also has a number of hearing-impaired students.