Vi Veri Universum Vivus Vici Dear Ahmed Madani,

The article served a purpose very different to the concern that you have raised. Your concern is very valid and Kashmir is a very important issue for India and Pakistan, and above all Kashmir. In my humble opinion, the interests of Kashmiri people will be best served under a stable Pakistan, as opposed to one that is in a constant state of political flux.

Rethinking Disability in the Third World Re: # 4

Dear Tahir, don`t worry about the typo at all. Your arguments on the other hand are spot on. The medical model definitely is insufficient for catering to the needs of a disabled person. Infact, the needs of individual people depend on their personal circumstances and environment. Two people with the same condition, but living in different parts of the world will be faced with varying and unique difficulties. In this context, the definition of handicap by WHO is very well thought out. However, definitions vary immensely depending upon region. The Gazette of Pakistan (Statutory Notification SRO 627(1)/88) lays down the following definition, which again contrasts disability against health and disease.

``For the quota system, “disabled person” means a person, on account of injury, disease or congenital deformity is handicapped in education or for undertaking any gainful profession or employment in order to earn his livelihood, and includes a person who is blind, deaf, physically handicapped or mentally retarded.``

I also agree that vast economic resources are required to bring a majority of disabled individuals into mainstream society. Which is why, personally, I think that the change should be gradual, so as to allow the disabled and society sufficient time to adjust to the change in status quo. Again, personally I also believe that the way forward is by forging links between industry and institutions that already care for the disabled. While education is, in some ways, a product that can be bought by paying for it, the dynamics of obtaining a job are completely different. Most disabled people are often frustrated by the lack of opportunities available even after they have obtained either an education or a technical skill.

As for religion, I would say to each his own. I am a deeply religious person, or well try to be at the very least. While still submissive to the teachings of religion, I do not believe in being a passive recipient with regards to any condition, be it social, mental or physical. All religions encourage the growth of self, in a non egotistical way of course! Its the passive mindset that has to be removed for the debate to be carried forward, and this is true for issues such as poverty and is not just related to disability.