Divya Shibu | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Kozhikode: While gazing at the Kerala Nadanam performances going on at the School Kalolsavam venue at Anglo Indian Girls’ School in Kozhikode, there was a sparkle in the eyes of Divya, a passionate dancer whose life took a drastic turn in 2017.
Divya Shibu, who had been an active participant of Bharatanatyam and group dance at the Kerala School Kalolsavam during her school years in the early 1990s, is in a wheelchair now. Unfortunately, Divya fell down the sunshade and injured her backbone while cleaning her house.
“I went up above there to clean the sunshade. But somehow, slipped, fell down and injured my spinal cord. Initially, it was very difficult for me to move, but now I am able to walk with the help of walkers,” said Divya with a smile on her face.
Tragedies have not daunted the spirit of this mother-of-two, who currently runs a medical shop along with her husband near her house in Thondayad, Kozhikode.
“Although confined to a wheelchair, I don’t sit idle at home. I love to go out a lot and my husband (Shibu) is always ready to take me everywhere. He is my constant support,” said Divya, who had come to watch the dance performance of her friend’s daughter.
However, travelling is often a draining experience for Divya as many places, including the Kalolsavam venues, are not wheelchair friendly.
“I do find it difficult to travel to different venues in a wheelchair. Particularly, the problem is for those who are aiding me. It is tough for them to push my wheelchair through carpets and other rugged terrains,” said Divya.
Interestingly, Divya’s daughter Avani is also an artist whose pictures were presented at the NSS Gallery exhibition in West Hill, the other day. She is a plus one student at Presentation Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode.
Battling against odds and driven by sheer passion, this dancer remains an inspiration for many talents at the school Kalolsavam.
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