Physical disability can leave a person either too weak or too determined emotionally and mentally. The story of Om Dutt, 32 falls into latter category. He has very efficiently proved that his physical disability, which he has been living with ever since he was 16, is in no way detrimental to his family or himself. Impediment, if any, makes him even further resolved to fight it out. His fight against the odds started at the age of 3 when he fractured his thigh bone. When 5 he had a bout of typhoid and again at 15 he realised that his vision in the eyes was gradually diminishing which was total in the left and partial in the right within six months. Investigations revealed brain tumour for which he was operated at AIIMS, New Delhi in 1976. Later he developed weakness in right upper and lower limbs leading to one more surgical intervention at the Institute, followed by various rehabilitation procedures. This time's surgery reduced the frequency of convulsions he used to get 4 to 6 per day earlier to just one in about two years now. However there has been no significant improvement in the vision, but full-fledged right-sided hemiplegia (paralysis of one half of the body) set in with hyper-tonicity in the muscles. After trying various therapeutic measures, when his physical progress stagnated in 1980 he was able to move about with a marked limp.

As a step towards making himself economically independent, Om Dutt obtained training in bottle cork making, at VRC, New Delhi, Realizing it is not the work he is meant for, he went to back to his village and started a primary school with the help of other villagers and village temple. After teaching for 3 years he got a peon's job with the Punjab National Bank. For 2 years he simultaneously continued with both the assignments, but then handed over the school to someone else and devoted all his attention to the bank's job.

In the meantime, Om Dutt got married to a non-disabled girl in 1980 arranged by both the families. He has now two sons and a daughter and has adopted family planning method. He himself is eldest of three brothers and a sister, all of them married and well settled. There is a joint family living amicably, fully aware of Om's needs and problems.

He says, "If I had I brooded over my disability and luck I am sure the help from my family and society would not have come forth. Perhaps seeing my will to be utmost independent in every way; my family, friends and entire village have been co-operative and helpful on contrary they often seek my help on the occasions like marriages, social and religious festivals." Om's bank authorities are full of praise for his dedication and devotion towards his duty. Observing his hidden potential and zeal to excel in every sphere in spite of his disability. He was given Best Worker's Award of Punjab National Bank in Delhi in 1989-90.

Though his one hand does not function at all, there is hardly any activity of daily life for which he asks for external help. Even in bi-lateral activities like tying shoelaces and knots etc. he claims to be faster than non-disabled persons. He is simply cannot name any activity which he is unable to perform, or has adopted it in such a way that it does not need external assistance.