A Story : Spirituality and Humanity & Individuality and Professionality

 Spirituality and Humanity  &  Individuality and Professionality

 

August 2002 

 

I was a Computer Science Lecturer for Degree and PG Students, at S Ch College, in Maddirala. 

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For the Academic Year 2002-03, I was selected for II BSc (MECs) as a Lecturer. 

As per our Principal/College instructions, we have completed pure theory classes (Fundamentals), in July.  Computer Lab work was started for Students, from August onwards.  I always make sure my availability in the Lab, for my Students, during their Lab hours. 

Mr. Murali was appointed as an Electrician, in our College, newly.  He is a dedicated person.  Because of him, all electric issues were resolved immediately, without repetition.  So, our College Admin Mr. Moorti has suggested him to stay in Computer Lab, whenever possible.  Then, Mr. Murali was stayed in Computer Lab, most of the time. 

 

Our Computer Lab was very big Hall.  On first (Lab) day, all Students came into the Lab; and sat before Computers.  They were looking at me for my instructions. 

I said “Let’s start your Lab work.”. 

They have looked themselves; and looked at me; then said “Sir… …!  Generally, Lab Instructor switch ON Computers; and open required tool to start our Lab work.  But now, all Computers are OFF.”. 

 

I understood the situation. 

 

Then, I asked Mr. Murali to push the Table towards middle of the Lab; and asked him to bring one CPU (Central Processing Unit) on the Table. 

He pushed the Table to middle; and kept CPU on the Table. 

Then, I called all the Students to gather around the Table. 

I asked Mr. Murali to open the CPU cabin, by specifying the screws; and also suggested him to listen to my Lecture (about the basics of Computer and its peripherals) along with Students. 

Later, I have explained to Students, about Operating System and required tool, to do their Lab work; and also, about precautions, that they need to take care about Computer.  I have suggested them to take Mr. Murali’s help, in case of CPU issues. 

Finally, I said “Now, you all can operate your Computers by yourself.”. 

Then, the Lab was echoed with “Yes Sir…!” by all Students with smiley faces. 

Mr. Murali was also very happy about his new learning, i.e., knowledge in Computer Hardware. 

 

Then onwards, Mr. Murali has taken care all the Computers; and making them work properly.  Then, Students were very happy; so that, they can do Lab work individually (1:1). 

With this incident, Mr. Murali became Computer Hardware specialist ⭐. 

In fact, we didn’t call ‘Computer Hardware Service Engineer’ in middle of the Academic Year, due to Mr. Murali’s sincerity. 

 

[ Later (i.e., after 2005), Mr. Murali got Government Job in Electricity Office in NarasaraoPet (pronunciation NarasaraavuPeta). ]

 

September 2002

                

Students became very busy in the Lab. 

Slowly, they have learned the way, to do the Computer Lab work, independently. 

 

March 2003

 

They have completed Final Exams successfully. 

 

June 2003

 

For the next academic year (2003-04) also, I was selected for same class (now, III BSc (MECs)), as a Lecturer. 

 

February 2004

 

Our College is located near to my hometown.  Daily, we reach the College by College Bus. 

 

My friend and (Degree) College batchmate Mr. RamaKrishna B have helped me, on his bike, to reach the College Bus. 

 

One day, there was a conversation between us, about the Saayi Baabaa Temple.  I have mentioned him that I was not visited the Temple.  Then, he said “Let’s go…!”. 

 

Temple was located in the way, towards the College.  

We went to the Temple premises.  My friend bought the Pooja articles (i.e., Coconut, Flowers, Camphor, etc.) to perform Pooja (i.e., spiritual rite). 

 

I am a Physically Challenged Person 👨‍🦽, and depends on Calipers (for my leg) during walking.  It’s difficult for me to remove Calipers (and shoes), and wear them immediately. 

So, I said with my friend as “I stand here at Temple’s SimhaDwaara (i.e., main door); and pray from here.  You please go inside with Pooja articles.”. 

At the same time, Temple’s Poojaari (i.e., Pamdit) was also entering into the Temple. 

 

My friend went inside the Temple, and gave Pooja articles to Poojaari, for performing Pooja. 

I was standing just before SimhaDwaara; and looking towards saint Saayi sculpture, by holding my hands in pray-mode 🙏. 

 

Poojaari has performed the Pooja. 

At end, while showing Haarati (i.e., Holy fire) to all devotees; he looked at me; and invited me to come inside and get Haarati. 

Then, I said “Thank you very much Sir… … for your kindness. 

But I am wearing shoes (attached with Calipers). 

That’s why, I am standing here; and got a clear Saayi Darshan from here.”. 

Then, he said “Your shoes (with Calipers) are similar to your legs. 

Don’t worry. 

Please come inside.”. 

I said “I can’t enter into the spiritual place with shoes. 

It’s my principle (taught by my Mother). 

But, I am very much thankful, for your kindness, towards a Physically Challenged Person 👨‍🦽.”. 

He said “Excellent.  I really appreciate your spiritually. 

If you are unable to come inside, then, I will come near to you. 

This is our Saayi principle.  Give me a minute”. 

 

By showing Haarati to everyone; he came and stand before me.  I was very much surprised and felt very happy; and took (his and Haarati) blessings.  

All other devotees were smiled; and said “That’s why, our Poojari is awesome.  He is very particular about Spirituality and Humanity.”. 

 

Later, my friend Mr. RamaKrishna came from inside of the Temple; and said “We went inside for seeking Saayi blessings.  But, Poojaari brought Saayi blessings near to you.  Wonderful.”.    

After Darshan, my friend Mr. RamaKrishna dropped me at the College.  He is a great person in Humanity. 

 

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On same day, there was a Farewell event for III BSc (MECs).  Students took permission to conduct Farewell event in the Computer Lab Hall.  Principal and all Lecturers were invited for the event. 

After completion of Principal and Lecturers speech; Principal has invited Students for speech. 

 

Mr. Vamshi came from Students, to give speech.  He is a sincere Student. 

Initially, he wished all his class Lecturers.  Later, he mentioned about the Knowledge that they gained, in Computer Science subject, theoretically and practically; during their studies.  He mentioned about the Individuality and Professionality, that they accomplished in Computer Science subject; by giving examples about his friends (classmates/batchmates), who worked as Computer Lab Instructors in the Computer Institutes, during their summer vocations.  

When he mentioned my name in his speech, the entire Hall was echoed with claps, by all Students. 

His speech made happy tears for me, for a moment. 

 Thus, Vaah… Vamshi… … …!  

A Story :: An esteemed Gift from my Friends....!

A  friend  in  need  is  a  (great  many)  friend(s)  indeed.

May 2023

 

[ Prof. MaadhaveeLata was a Lecturer in Computer Science subject to us, during my MCA study (1995-98), in RVR & JC College of Engineering.  Later, she was moved to Hyderabad.  Whenever I visit Hyderabad, I get her blessings by making a phone call ☎.  Her family members were impressed so much.  As a complement, they said “How much obedient is this Student ?  He is seeking attendance from his Lecturer, even after his College study.”. ] 

 

One day, I got a call from Prof. MaadhaveeLata.  She asked me about the status of my Entrepreneurship journey; and also enquired me about my walking-aid orthotics.  Meanwhile, she mentioned that my MCA classmates want to help me, for the improvement of my walking, further. 

 

[ I am a Physically Challenged Person ♿.  I completely depend on the walking-aid orthotics ‘KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis)-Caliper’, for my left-leg.  At that time, I was wearing KAFO-Caliper, that was made with plastic, by Mobility India, NGO at J P Nagar in Bengaluru (pronunciation Bemgalooru).  The quality of this KAFO-Caliper was good.  I took it in 2011.  Even, it was still good, by that time. ] 

 

Prof. MaadhaveeLata also suggested me to get enquire about the better (than the existing) KAFO-Caliper for me.  My classmates Mr. Sanat, Prof. David Arun Paul, and Mr. Gopi Krishna R (pronunciation Mr. Goapi Krishna R) also suggested me. 

Initially, I was not much interested to change my KAFO-Caliper.  Because, it may take months to get adjusted with the new KAFO-Caliper while walking. Another reason…  If it is better than the existing KAFO-Caliper, then it will be expensive, obviously.  The existing KAFO-Caliper was still in good condition, but it may be required to change later.  

 

Phase-1:

 

With Prof. MaadhaveeLata reminder, I came to know about my classmates’ interest and their initiation to help me. 

Then, I have started to enquire about the best KAFO-Caliper.  I went personally to different organizations, who make KAFO-Calipers.  Most of them have mentioned about the Mobility India.  Very few have mentioned about ottobock.  Finally, I went to Mobility India.  They also suggested me for ottobock.  Then, I got a belief on ottobock. 

 

Phase-2:

 

By informing to Prof. MaadhaveeLata about ottobock, I have entered into ottobock, at (Tavarekere Main Road, S G Palya) Koramangala (pronunciation KoaraMamgala) Branch. 

At ottobock, Ms. ShubhaSmita said “Sir…  We make the KAFO-Caliper with ‘Carbon-Fiber’ material.  So, it is very much stronger than (your) existing plastic KAFO-Caliper; and also, durability will be more.  You can go through our preliminary measurement (with no cost) process.  So that, I can provide the quotation for you.”.  Later, she mentioned about the discount and their further support.  Based on measurement, she also suggested me the suitable KAFO-Caliper type.  The suggested KAFO-Caliper was lesser price than the available options/types.  I felt that they were not money-minded people.  My belief was increased. 

Mr. Sanat became single point of Contact, from my MCA classmates.  Previously, he took initiation by creating WhatsApp group, after gathering contacts of each classmate. 

By knowing the quotation and my feedback, both Prof. MaadhaveeLata and Mr. Sanat have wished me for further process.  They have mentioned that my classmates want to give new KAFO-Caliper, as a Gift for me. 

Then, I have informed to Ms. ShubhaSmita about our wish to take ottobock’s Carbon-Fiber KAFO-Caliper.  Mr. Sanat also contacted her.  With our approval, she has raised the order at ottobock. 

 

June 2023 

 

After three weeks, I was informed about the arrival of spare parts, for making KAFO-Caliper.  After making initial 50% of payment, Ms. ShubhaSmita asked me for a visit to ottobock. 

Dr. Naveen K V (specialist), Mr. Andrews (Technician), and Ms. Debrati (Assistant) took precision measurement.  They have observed my old KAFO-Caliper, and also my walking mode with it.  After measurement process, they have initiated process to make the new Carbon-Fiber KAFO-Caliper. 

 

July 2023

 

Within two weeks, the KAFO-Caliper is ready.  I was informed for trail-walk with the new KAFO-Caliper.  Dr. Naveen K V, Mr. Andrews, and Ms. Debrati have observed my trail-walk; and made necessary corrections.  I said “This new KAFO-Caliper is tight-fit.”.  But they suggested me for practice.  This process went through further one week.  Ms. Debrati became the Contact person in ottobock, then onwards. 

For the first time, Ms. Debrati has helped me to wear this new KAFO-Caliper.  Later, I have given a complement to her by saying “I got remember of my Mother, when you helped me while wearing it, for the first time.  In my childhood days, my Mother helps me while wearing it.”.  She felt very happy for my feedback. 

After making the remaining 50% payment, the new KAFO-Caliper was delivered, along with a consolidated Receipt.  ottobock has packed my old plastic KAFO-Caliper and given to me.  Then, I went to my home by wearing the new KAFO-Caliper. 

In a day, I felt very difficult (pain and uncomfortable) with the new KAFO-Caliper while walking/sitting/standing.  My left-leg muscles swelled slightly, due to tightness. 

 

My Analysis:  This new KAFO-Caliper was made with exact fit measurement; and they took measurement by keeping my leg in a straight position.  When I sit, the measurement was getting changed due to muscle expansion.  KAFO-Caliper was not having space to accommodate that extra muscle strength.  This was causing more difficulty for me. 

 

With Prof. MaadhaveeLata and classmates advise, I went back to ottobock, by wearing my old KAFO-Caliper; and explained them about the issue with examples.

I said “✳ Example #1:  Keep arm straight 🤜, then look at width of the muscle (between elbow and shoulder); later, bend the arm at elbow 💪, then look at width of the muscle (between elbow and shoulder).  There is a variation.  Similarly, the width of the leg muscles varies between the scenarios, when a person stands 🧍‍♂️ and sits 👨‍🦽.  

✳ Example #2:  The width of the leg muscles varies slightly, between the scenarios, when a person stands 🧍‍♂️ and walks 🚶‍♂️. 

✳ Example #3:  Over the period of time, muscles may expand naturally.”. 

 

Dr. Naveen K V verified the variation between both old and new KAFO-Calipers, based on my inputs/examples.  The variation was in fractional inches, but creating more difficulty.  I said “Sir… The variation might be fractional, because my left-leg was affected by polio.”.  Then, he understood my difficulty.  

He said “Sir…  It’s good that you have stopped wearing it, when you felt pain.  We too advise the same.”. 

I said “Sir…  But I worried very badly with these difficulties.”. 

By knowing my worry, Dr. Naveen K V said “Don’t worry… Sir.  You came here to get best service from us.  We understand your difficulty.  Till you believe our service as best,

✳ initially, we will do the necessary changes in this new KAFO-Caliper, to make it convenient for you. 

✳ If nothing works, we will make another new KAFO-Caliper for you later. 

Because, if you don’t use our product, there will be no benefit to our company.  If you use, satisfy, and then appreciate our product; then, others can come to us easily.”. 

His words were given basic relief for me. 

Mr. Andrews said “Till now, we made many KAFO-Calipers.  But, no one came back to us.  You are the only one, who came back with issues.  We have noted your feedback.  So, we will make it suitable for you.”.  He has related each issue with medical terminology words.

Another two weeks went for changes and trails process. 

I was in communication with Prof. MaadhaveeLata and my classmates.  Their wish to see my happiness with new KAFO-Caliper, that need to be created more benefit than the old one.  My wish is to create value for their Gift. 

 

August 2023

 

But I was still facing difficulty with new KAFO-Caliper, even after many changes.  I said with ottobock Branch Manager Mr. Sudarshan, “Sir… I can’t proceed with this new KAFO-Caliper.”.  Then, he took initiation for making another new KAFO-Caliper for me.  Dr. Naveen K V and Mr. Andrews took my old plastic KAFO-Caliper for taking measurement, as it was best suited for me.  Within a week, newly made another KAFO-Caliper was ready. 

Mr. Andrews asked me “Sir…  We have included ankle joint for this new KAFO-Caliper also.  We can lock/un-lock it at any time, based on your convenient.  Initially, what do you prefer ?”.  

I said “My old plastic KAFO-Caliper was not having ankle joint.  Because, plastic-foot 🦶 in my KAFO-Caliper is bending slightly while walking, to provide the required convenience.  Presently, I don’t know.  Keep the ankle joint locked now.  Let me verify it.”. 

 

My Analysis:  This new KAFO-Caliper was made with ‘Carbon-Fiber’ that is rigid.  When KAFO-Caliper’s foot never bends, then, my walking mode applying pressure on my leg-bone (i.e., bone at foot, and in between ankle and knee joints), that was causing pain. 

 

Then, I have requested them unlock the ankle joint slightly. 

With few more minor changes, this newly made KAFO-Caliper became very good. 

I went to my home by wearing it. 

 

My Analysis:  My old plastic KAFO-Caliper bends slightly at different positions, while walking.  But this newly made ‘Carbon-Fiber KAFO-Caliper’ doesn’t bend; that makes more support and convenient while walking.  This new ‘Carbon-Fiber KAFO-Caliper’ is slightly lighter than the old plastic KAFO-Caliper.

 

January 2024

 

After few months, KAFO-Caliper ankle joint was giving more movement, due to screws loose; that was causing difficulty while walking on rough/sand (earth) surface.  I have visited ottobock with an appointment.  They have tightened the ankle joint screws. 

 

April 2024

 

After few months, KAFO-Caliper ankle was giving more movement again, due to screws loose, and knee joint screws also became loose; that was causing difficulty while walking.  I took appointment to visit ottobock, and explained about the issues to Ms. Debrati.  To avoid screws looseness, they dipped the screws in PoP (Plaster of Paris) and fixed them to ankle and knee joints; and asked me to wear KAFO-Caliper after 5 hours. 

After resolving all the issues, ottobock KAFO-Caliper became very good.  🙂

ottobock support was excellent during the entire process. 

 

May 2024

 

Phase-3: 

 

[ For my KAFO-Caliper, choosing suitable shoes are very important.  I wear KAFO-Caliper to my left-leg.  My left-leg (effected with polio) is shorter than my right-leg.  To make balanced walk, height-raise is required for my left-shoe.  Generally, I get it fixed it, by adding additional rubber at bottom of the left-shoe.  Due to lack of shoe’s bottom grip sole (i.e., anti-skid outsole), I felt uncomfortable while walking. ] 

 

In ottobock, there was no shoe-alteration section.  But they suggested me to wear light-weight shoes and light-weight rubber (for height-raise). 

 

My classmates wanted to Gift shoes also, for me.  Even, they have included extra money for travelling expenses, in Gift.  Later, they have given donation to NIRAM Foundation (www.NIRAM-Foundation.org).

Prof. MaadhaveeLata has suggested me for Adidas trekking shoes, with the feedback of her family members.  These shoes are light-weight and anti-skid. 

 

My Analysis:  I need an alteration for my left-shoe; by removing outsole carefully, attaching additional (3” of) rubber at the bottom of the shoe, then later, reattaching the removed outsole at bottom of the left-shoe.  This process can help me for comfortable and safe walk.  

 

I bought Adidas trekking shoes at H S R Layout.  By knowing (my left-shoe) alteration requirement, Adidas Employee has given reference of Mr. Pronto shop, at Nexus Forum Mall Koramangala  (pronunciation KoaraMamgala). 

 

June 2024

 

At Mr. Pronto shop, Mr. Naveen (Technician) has done the required alteration (Remove outsole, attach light-weight rubber, and reattach outsole) for my left-shoe. 

Then, my walking was improved better than earlier, with anti-skid outsole at left-shoe.  🙂

 

Phase-4:

 

[ My Analysis:  While walking/standing, I mostly depend on my right-leg.  My left-leg provides support with the help of KAFO-Caliper.  It doesn’t maintain body weight.  My body weight is completely maintained by right-leg while walking/standing.  So, I can’t stand more time; and also, can’t walk more distance. 

My left-shoe rarely gets damaged; as my left-foot is in KAFO-Caliper, and this KAFO-Caliper is in left-shoe.  So, left-leg gives only support, while walking/standing. 

My right-shoe gets damaged frequently.  Because, while walking/standing, the pressure points are applied at specific locations in right-foot.  In the right-shoe, rubber gets pressed more, at those specific locations; that makes pain to my right-foot gradually.  To avoid pain, I manage by keeping sole/rubber pieces additionally. ]  

 

One day, I have visited OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) BHARAT at BIEC. 

In this Exhibition, I have observed the design of the safety-Shoes.  Then, I was interested to try them.  By knowing my requirement, Jama Corporation Pvt Ltd (Technical) Expert suggested me that safety-Shoes are not suitable for me.  Because, these are covered with steel frame, and are having more weight; so that, these are suitable for Industrial usage, but not for regular usage. 

In this matter, I came to know that my Plan-A (safety-Shoes) was not suitable for me.  After knowing layers of the safety-Shoes, I have started making a (simple) Plan-B, with the following items; Steel-mid sole and Foam in socks sole.

 

My Analysis:  These two (Steel-mid sole and Foam in socks sole) items can help me in the following ways:

✳ Due to ‘Steel-mid sole’, the pressure points are distributed equally to entire bottom of the shoe, and the rubber is pressed equally.  It avoids (regular) foot pain. 

          ✳ This ‘steel-mid sole’ is made with flexible steel metal.  So, it bends slightly along with foot 🦶, while walking.  This makes more convenient. 

          ✳ ‘Foam in sock sole’ avoids roughness of ‘steel-mid sole’, and provides softness.  This (upper most ‘Foam in sock sole’) may be required for replace, awhile.  But, it’s not an expensive task. 

          ✳ In this way, these two items can be helpful to avoid shoe damage, and can improve shoe durability.

 

When I have explained my Analysis with Jama Corporation Pvt Ltd Expert, he agreed it.  He said “Good idea.  Those (items) are also not much expensive.”.  I have requested him for only those two items.  His colleague Mr. Ashish asked me to send an email. 

During my enquiry about these two items, few more company representatives were asked me to send email. 

 

July 2024

 

Finally, the following two companies have given response to my email; and sent the requested items by courier: Jama Corporation Pvt Ltd and Reliance Trends Footwear.  Both companies have mentioned these items as Gift.  

Then, I kept ‘Steel-mid sole’ in my right-shoe, and covered it with ‘Foam in sock sole’. 

Thus, my walking is improved further.  Wonderful...!  😊

 

Phase-5     [Pending]

Experiment #1:   

[ My Analysis:  

To minimize weight of my left-shoe further, I would like to replace 

the (additional 2.5”) rubber with a hollow-box that is made with Carbon-Fiber; 

and remaining 0.5" rubber is in either of two ways (alter/default), based on the three parameters, (i) foot 'strength and dimension (size: width/length)', (ii) shoe-raise width (less/more), and (iii) 'shoe (outsole) dimension Vs rubber dimension' (straight/slope/step mode)::  

✳ alter (slope/step) mode:  

After considering two (foot 'strength & dimension' and shoe-raise width) parameters initially, then the requirement of the rubber alteration needs to be decided.  If these two parameters suggest for alteration, and also the shoe (outsole) dimension is straight; then the slope/step mode is required in rubber, slightly.  So, this (additional 0.5") rubber need to be fixed in either slope (back 0.5" to front 0.25"; slope starts after 50% of shoe length) or step (back 0.5" and front 0.25", in 50% ratio) mode.  

✳ default (straight) mode:  

If two (foot 'strength & dimension' and shoe-raise width) parameters doesn't suggest for alteration, and also the shoe (outsole) dimension is already having slope/step mode; then the separate alteration is not required in rubber.  So, this (additional 0.5") rubber need to be fixed in a straight mode. ]

Experiment #2:   

[ My Analysis:

Presently, there is an unlock facility at knee position, on both sides of the Caliper, that helps to bend the Caliper at knee, while sitting.  When Caliper is bending, then, Leg also bends at knee.  

But, this unlock facility need to be operated by both hands manually, by bending the person slightly.  

To simplify this unlock functionality further, ottobock has made a wire by connecting these two unlock facilities.  To operate this unlock functionality, I need to pull the wire.  But, this functionality is not working properly with one hand.  And also, I need to bend slightly to pull the wire with both hands, while sitting.  

To simplify this process further, I have requested ottobock to make a switch that operates both the unlock facilities.  For example, the break functionality for a Cycle.  ]

I have requested ottobock Staff (Dr. Naveen K V and Mr. Sudarshan) to do these experiments.  They have mentioned that they need approval from ottobock HO. 

This (experiments) request is still pending at ottobock.

 

*  *  *  *  *

Kudos to

Prof. Madhavi Lata N  ( pronunciation Prof. MaadhaveeLata N ), 

Mr. Sanath V  (pronunciation Mr. Sanat V), 

Mr. David Arun Paul B, 

Mr. Gopi Krishna R (pronunciation Mr. Goapi Krishna R), 

all other MCA classmates, 

ottobock. 

Staff (Ms. ShubhaSmita, Dr. Naveen K V, Mr. Andrews, 

Ms. Debrati  (pronunciation Deabrati), 

Mr. Sudarshan, Admin,...), 

Mr. Pronto  www.mrpronto.com

Staff(Mr. Naveen),

Jama Corporation Pvt. Ltd.  www.jamasafety-shoes.com

Staff (Mr. Ashish J), 

Reliance Trends Footwear  

Staff (Mr. Shivananda Rao (pronunciation Mr. Shivaanamda Raavu)).

🤝 🤝 🤝 🤝 🤝  Happy Friendship Day  🤝 🤝 🤝 🤝 🤝

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