Ashwini Angadi from Bellary district, who shared United Nations ‘Youth Courage Award for Education’ with Malala Yousufzai, stressed on the role of education in improving the lives of differently abled.

Despite being born blind, she is a crusader for the welfare of the disabled. Angadi, who was in Bagalkot on Friday, interacted with journalists at Basaveshwara Science college. “I had heard of Malala, but had never seen her. I got an opportunity to meet her personally and share the dais with her at the award ceremony,” she gushed.

Ashwini also recalled with gratitude Malala’s words to her: “You (Ashwini) are an inspiration for the whole world as despite your disability, you have been fighting for the betterment of the differently-abled.”

That programme accorded me a platform to share my views with UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, Gorden Brown and other dignitaries, said Angadi.

After the recognition, Angadi feels that her responsibilities have only increased but her feisty persona is determined to live beyond expectations. Angadi works as a national facilitator of the Bangalore-based NGO Leonard Cheshire Disability Centre and tours the country to motivate the differently-abled. Angadi said that she had met CM Siddaramaiah after receiving the award and he appreciated her cause.

Prakash and Vedavati — Ashwini’s parents, CGC Chairman Ashok Sajjan, principal S C Danreddi and prof V S Katagihallimath were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Bangalore / August 10th, 2013