Born in a modest family at Nedumbassery in Kerala, 23-year-old Prajitha Chandran with learning disabilities was admitted to a special school at the age of 15 to learn candle and bag making so that she can sustain herself. Little did her family know that hidden behind the struggles of learning difficulties was a remarkable talent waiting to be discovered.
It wasn’t long before the authorities of Sneha Sadan Special School at Pothiyakkara in Kalady noticed her prowess in sports, particularly in handball. Her raw talent and determination caught the attention of teachers and coaches alike, leading to a pivotal moment that changed the course of her life.
Prajitha is now a national star after becoming a member of India’s women handball team which won silver medal in Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin, Germany in June. Prajitha is one of the three Malayalees in the team.
“It was in 2015 that I joined Sneha Sadan Special School. The teachers identified my talent and included me in the handball team. They gave me training and I started participating in district level competitions. Soon I got selected to state level championship from where I got selected to the national competition held in Haryana. I am really happy that I could make it to the national team for Special Olympics and win a silver medal,” Prajitha Chandran told “Open Digest“.
She said that it was a tough match in the finals against Germany. “We played well but Germany performed well and won. But we are happy with our silver medal,” she said.
Prajitha has also started preparing for athletic events focusing on 100 metre race and long jump. She credits her achievement to the support she has been receiving from her mother Sheela who brought her up after Prajitha’s father Chandran died 16 years ago. “My mother and my brother Prajith Chandran are the strongest supporters of me,” she added.
Sister Shalet Paul, a teacher of Sneha Sadan said “Prajitha is very smart and enthusiast in sports. We are really happy for her.”
Infact, Prajitha’s journey from learning candle making to representing the nation in women’s handball is a testament to her indomitable spirit. She not only overcame the barriers of her learning disability but excelled in a domain that demands physical prowess, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Her extraordinary journey is a reminder that talent knows no bounds and that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with learning disabilities can defy expectations and reach unprecedented heights. Prajitha is a beacon of hope, illustrating that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity for success and empowerment.
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