By R.Swathi
These days, I am scratching my head learning about new-age parenting terms like helicopter, kangaroo, tiger, lawnmower, dolphin, jellyfish, lighthouse, elephant, etc. Every year, research will throw us with new terms, but what has been consistent over the years has been the love of parents. This Father’s Day, we share a moving story of Chandrasekaran, a father whose relentless dedication knows no bounds for his daughter, a special child, Rithika Sri.
Chandrasekaran has been a resident of Ellai Amman Koil Street, Vannanthurai, all his life. When he got married, he was a driver who owned his own car. Soon, the family was enthusiastic as they expected their bundle of joy. However, due to complications during delivery, baby Rithika Sri developed Cerebral palsy (CP) at birth. CP is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood and are caused by non-progressive brain abnormalities. It affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
The condition, affecting Rithika’s right hand and leg, did not shake Chandrasekaran spirit. He immediately focused on providing treatment for his daughter. “She has to undergo physiotherapy every day, and each session costs at least Rs.500. I had to sell my car, but bought an autorickshaw,” he recounted. However, mounting commitments and costs didn’t favour him in paying off his debts, forcing him to sell that as well. Currently, he is driving a rented autorickshaw.
Chandrasekaran ensured that life was not all hospital for his daughter. She got admission to the KPM School, L.B.Road. “Rithika’s movement issues restricted her access to the toilet, which posed a problem for getting admission in many schools; however, KPM School was welcoming and allowed us to come to school midday to help with her toilet needs,” explained Chandrasekaran about further challenges. Now seven years old, Rithika’s father feels proud to say, “My daughter has weak limbs, but she is very intelligent, quickly grasping what she’s taught. However, treatment impacts her regular attendance.”
Recently, one of his customers referred him to the Myopathy Kappagam at Ambasamudram (Thirunelveli), where specialised treatment is given for muscular dystrophy and such. With additional financial aid from well-wishers, he sourced callipers for Rithika, which contributed to significant improvements in her movements.
Tearing up while watching videos of Rithika walking, sent by his wife from Ambasamudram, Chandrasekaran shares his dream, “I want my daughter to be an independent girl when she grows up. She has a younger sister, but she shouldn’t rely on her. My dream is to see her standing on her own legs – physically, mentally and intellectually.” A few days after we spoke with Chandrasekaran, he jubilantly shared that his daughter had got promoted to Class 2.
Chandrasekaran may not call himself a ‘lighthouse’ or a ‘tiger’, but he is, without a doubt, a beacon of hope for his daughter. As we celebrate Father’s Day, his story is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and boundless hope that define fatherhood, especially when facing life’s greatest challenges.
Contact Chandrasekaran at 98410 22927.
Checkout his story on YouTube:
