Life often presents unforeseen trials precisely when an individual stands on the threshold of a promising career. For Shammi Singh, a resident of Patna, completing her engineering degree was supposed to be the launchpad for her professional aspirations. Instead, she was confronted with a severe medical diagnosis in her leg. Despite surgical intervention, the condition worsened and the malignancy returned, forcing doctors to amputate her limb to save her life. Refusing to let this setback define her future, she embraced life with a prosthetic leg and has established herself as a dedicated educator teaching science at a leading school.
Discovery of a Cancerous Tumour in 2020
The turning point in Shammi's life occurred in 2020, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Shortly after completing her engineering course and returning home, a tumour was discovered in her leg. Immediate medical care was initiated, yet the condition continued to deteriorate over the following months. In January 2021, she underwent surgery to remove the growth, but the operation failed to eliminate the underlying problem.
By 2022, the tumour recurred in the exact same region. Further clinical assessments revealed that the growth was cancerous and presented an ongoing risk of spreading further through her body. Faced with this recurring malignancy, medical specialists determined that amputation was the only viable measure to safeguard her long-term health. On July 2, 2022, surgeons amputated her leg. Acknowledging her new reality as an amputee, Shammi began mentally preparing herself to rebuild her life from scratch.
A Gruelling Recovery and Timely Rehabilitation Support
The transition following amputation was physically draining and emotionally fraught. Shammi spent nearly an entire year focusing on wound recovery, pain management, and physical rehabilitation. While moments of despair and uncertainty tested her resolve, she remained determined not to surrender to circumstances. During this challenging phase, she learned about a specialized charitable facility providing comprehensive medical and rehabilitation services to individuals with physical impairments.
On April 17, 2023, Shammi visited the Bharat Vikas and Sanjay Anand Viklang Hospital and Research Centre, located near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Patna. At this medical centre, she was provided with an advanced prosthetic leg completely free of charge, without having to spend a single rupee. Receiving this artificial limb was transformative; it not only restored her physical mobility but also rebuilt her lost confidence and self-reliance.
Teaching Science and Managing Classroom Responsibilities
Today, Shammi is far more than an amputee who endured adversity; she has established herself as an active faculty member at Delhi Public School. In her daily routine, she stands on her feet for hours delivering science lessons and oversees her assigned class as a class teacher. She also takes an enthusiastic role in coordinating various extracurricular school events and student activities.
Shammi takes pride in being one of the most proactive teachers at her institution, noting that her physical condition has never been an excuse to step back from responsibilities. While she previously walked on natural limbs, her transition to a prosthetic leg has not dampened her passion for teaching. Both her colleagues and students regard her persistence as a constant source of inspiration across the campus.
Pursuing Public Service Careers While Working
Alongside her demanding teaching schedule, Shammi continues to prepare for competitive examinations to secure a position in government service. She acknowledges that her current earnings as a schoolteacher are insufficient to cover the steep ongoing expenses associated with high-end prosthetic maintenance, components, and replacements. In this context, the continued support from the non-profit hospital remains a crucial lifeline.
Whenever technical adjustments or maintenance for her artificial limb are required, she contacts Vivek, an official at the centre, knowing that assistance will be provided without hesitation. She credits the institution's supportive environment and prompt responsiveness with allowing her to carry out her everyday duties without worrying about prohibitive healthcare costs.
Rehabilitation Services for Persons with Disabilities in Patna
The Bharat Vikas and Sanjay Anand Viklang Hospital and Research Centre functions as a specialized facility focused on assisting persons with disabilities. The institution treats a broad spectrum of congenital physical deformities as well as acquired physical challenges arising from accidents or medical illnesses, operating with the overarching mission of creating a society free from physical limitations.
The centre provides an array of free healthcare services, ranging from diagnostic screenings and complex surgical procedures to the fitting of artificial limbs, physiotherapy, and neurotherapy. The facility is situated near Metro Pillar 181, close to the New ISBT in Patna. Individuals seeking medical consultations and rehabilitation support can visit the hospital between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on all days of the week, with the exception of Wednesdays.
