69-year-old paralyzed man hailed for his lake clean-up drive [Video]

• N. S. Rajappan was paralyzed since five.
• His physical disability did not keep him from his mission: to keep Vembanad Lake clean by collecting trash.
• His untiring, selfless efforts earned him recognition from India’s Prime Minister.

Paralyzed from the knee down, 69-year-old N. S. Rajappan received recognition from the highest office in India.

Rajappan, for many years, remains steadfast in his mission: to keep the Vembanad Lake clean as his way to help preserve the environment. This simple yet sincere efforts got noticed by India’s Prime Minister Narenda Modi himself, who made sure that Rajappan’s efforts will be upheld and rewarded.

Photographer Nandu Ks made Rajappan’s story known to the world, when he took a photo of him that one fateful day.

“I noticed a man rowing a boat and collecting something from the river,” Nandu shared.

He then learned about Rajappan’s unique story.

Paralyzed since five because of polio, Rajappan has been making a living out of collecting plastics floating on the lake. Without crutches, he would drag himself to get through his small boat, and sail away to the Meenachil River, wandering in its vastness just so he can collect trash – mostly plastic bottles – floating on the water.

Since then, it has stirred Nandu’s interest, collecting photos of him for the world to see.

What’s so endearing about Rajappan’s whole situation was that he was doing this with much joy, unmindful of his physical disability. He would normally fill his entire boat with plastic bottles, giving him a meager earning of about 17 Rupees (17 cents).

According to Rajappan, his greatest motivation, apart from putting food on his table, was to keep the lake clean at all times.

“Somebody should remove the waste from the water. I am doing what is possible for me,” he told the local news.

Nandu, who was moved by Rajappan’s story, decided to share it with the world. He uploaded it, along with his photos, to his Pro Media Facebook page, where a lot of people saw and shared it.

It wasn’t long before the UN Environment Program Chief Erik Solheim took notice, and made Rajappan famous.

Prime Minister Modi, upon learning this, addressed the story in a radio show. “I have seen news from Kerala which reminds us of our responsibilities,” he said, telling his listeners the story. “Imagine how highly he thinks! We must also take inspiration from him and contribute towards cleanliness as far as possible.”

It took one photograph and two powerful officials to change Rajappan’s life completely.

Since his story went viral, interest groups and kind-hearted people extended help to alleviate Rajappan’s situation. They gave him gifts such as a new motorboat and a power wheelchair, rebuilt his house which has been severely damaged by the storm, and supported him financially.

Such an inspiration where people can draw from his good, selfless nature and strong character, that we can all rise above our circumstances and be good stewards!

Source: Good News Network