Candlelight vigil marks Bhopal tragedy anniv

CHILDREN with intellectual and physical deformities in the families affected by the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy are determined to leave the past behind.

- ANURAAG SINGH

They want to create a niche in the world of para-sports.

At the forefront is 17-year-old Disha Tiwari, whose intellectual disability disorder (IDD) has failed to prevent her from shooting to success in the basketball arena.

Eldest among the three children of Mahesh Tiwari and Arti Tiwari, Disha was part of the Indian team, which won the silver medal in the basketball event of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

"Health hazards emanating from the gas leak of 1984 have become part and parcel. Two of my three children, Disha and Rishi (10) suffer from the same intellectual disabilities, while Avdhesh is bright in studies. Disha, however, with the help of experts is determined at making big in basketball and short distance running. We're proud of her work ethics," said Mahesh, whose health problems cost him his driver's job three months back.