A few weeks ago, the participants of Asia Try-2016 landed at our school for a night halt. We students along with the principals welcomed them heartily.

Asia Try is a movement of differently-abled people from nine Asian countries including Nepal. The event is organised every two years in one of these countries. Nepal got the opportunity to play host this year. March 9 was the day their programme kicked off at Bhrikutimandap. The participants rallied on their wheelchairs to the parts of town distributing pamphlets, raising their voice for their special provisions, appealing to the society to adore them and to accept them with a positive perspective. And in the evening, they arrived at our place.

I heard a thunderous applause from a crowd of bhais and bahinis accompanied by the principals who were receiving the guests. We seniors rushed to their buses and helped the programme volunteers unload the wheelchairs and luggage. One by one, the volunteers carried everyone from their seats to the wheelchairs. I observed each face—they were so beautiful and absolutely innocent, and happy with what they were. Instantly, I found myself thinking of the flaws in our creation.

We escorted them in a school tour while a few friends were busy managing their mattresses for the night. Thoughts creeped into my mind one after the other. How would it feel to know, “I will never walk again?” Why does it have to be them? Why not others?  Me, perhaps? I felt sorry and helpless. But they had accepted the reality. They had no complains with what life had given them. Their blissful smile was vivid proof of their acceptance. We rode through the playgrounds. Kids were playing football. As they watched from the wheelchair, they kept staring, speechless. I knew each of them had a past that was kept away. They had pains which had been avoided. But sometimes, they become too fragile to hold on to. And it hurts a lot. But not now, I thought. We emptied the basketball court. We pushed the wheelchairs into the court. And here is the best part; they played. We played. Every score was like a luminous beam that erased their dark shadow of time. Yes, they played. We humans claim that we are the most intellectual and advanced species on the earth. And today, reality is the evidence of the failure of humanity. We have inequities in our society. We experience more wars than we do love. We have more violence than we do peace. We have to be taught about loving and caring the differently-abled ones through missions like Asia Try. The word ‘try’ used in this mission speaks of despair and uncertainty. It is a trial to teach the ‘intelligent’ humans. It is a trial to address their voice in the law. It is just a trial. One like so many others. The next day, the school family bade a glorious farewell to those participants. Carrying the mission’s flags, singing the slogans, we went up to the gate to see them off. I looked up to the flag I was holding. The morning breeze was blowing past me. 

I felt so special. Glimpses of the basketball game and the school tour flicked in my mind. I had got inspiration after a short time spent with them. I had found that service gave us the happiness.

And today, I have also found why I was not one of them. I have known why some of us aren’t one of them. It is because we are destined to live for them. Our lives are to be spent for them. We are normal, which means we have to live for the differently-abled ones. We must join them in the ‘try’. As we don’t face the challenges those people feel, we are to contribute our capabilities to help with their challenges.

And one day, they will walk again. No, not with their feet.  But they will walk with our love. They will walk with our support. They will walk with our respect. They will walk because they are no different than me.

Pant is currently pursuing A-levels at Budhanilakantha School