How Girija Madhu Is Giving Children With Cerebral Palsy A Life Of Joy

One has to fight their own battles, they say. However, it is rare that one individual's kindness and unflinching support could transform the lives of hundreds of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP). These children are really 'special' because they know how to rise against the odds in a society that disowns and discriminates them. The inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023 underway in Delhi have not only exposed more than 1400 athletes with special abilities but brought to light people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and far away from media spotlight to bring a smile on young boys and girls who suffer from cerebral palsy. Girija Kumari Madhu, a very unique person in the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) ecosystem, is one of them.

CP is a dreaded neurological disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood, permanently affecting body movement and muscle coordination, generally due to abnormalities inside the developing brain. There is no proper data on the number of people suffering from CP in India but Kavita Suresh, the general secretary of CPSFI, says the "number can be more than a crore."

Girija, a normal housewife, resolved three years back to help CP children regain their identity and have the requisite skills to earn their livelihood on their own terms. She decided to dedicate her entire life and savings for the betterment of these special kids. Today, it is showing results.

"Three years ago during a meeting with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) I got to know about Cerebral Palsy football. I was involved in playing football as a normal kid since I was 14 and from my experience I felt that football is a wonderful tool to transform a normal person. Today, I am very happy that