A family crosses the water with their motorcycle on a weak raft.
My earliest memory of the Devadoss' is of Manohar's outrageous sense of humour and the warmth and spontaneity of the couple that envelops you like the mist in the mountains.
One thing that struck me was Manohar and Mahema Devadoss's attitude to life. The dual disabilities that the couple was forced to confront and negotiate on a daily basis would have crushed any one's spirit or made them cynical, embittered and hard to live with.
But not for Mahema and Manohar Devadoss. They responded with a wisdom, courage, and grace that are truly inspirational. It was not the martyr's attitude of life has handed me a lemon, so let's make lemonade. Rather life gave them lemonade.
The only difference was that the lemonade did not taste sweet; but they decided to enjoy it. Anyway.
Long before the idea of equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities had begun to influence popular perceptions, Mahema and Manohar Devadoss lived a life rich in inner treasures of the spirit-a vibrant imagination, sensitivity to the beauty of the world around us, and the ability to reach out to people-to give of oneself.
And above all, a graceful acceptance, flowing with the river of life, and enjoying the journey along the way. Their life is a work of art.
For painting the canvas of their life with the brushstrokes of courage and hope, for showing us how to lead a life of abundance and grace, for sublimating their personal pain and sorrow through creativity, many, like me, are glad that we have Mahema and Manohar Devadoss who showed us the Way.
Summary
July 2007 Issue
- Editor’s Corner
- Cover Story
- Around Town
- People
- Village Voices
- Off the Press
- Great Escapes
- Serial Story
- Cinema in the City