Prakash, a 23-year-old dwarf, who bagged several medals in international athletic events is struggling for survival.
Mr. Prakash, just 134 cm, hails from Kelamangalam town here. He had participated in several athletic events from 2008.
He had submitted many petitions to many District Collectors but no help was forthcoming. All his elder sisters too were dwarfs. Two of his sisters got married. Soon after completing SSLC, he went to Bangalore to pursue a diploma course in advanced multi-media. Ramesh Tikaram, an Arjuna award winner, helped him participate in international and national athletic events in Chennai, Bangalore, Israel, Ireland, and the U.S.
Prakash bagged two silver medals in shot put in the sixth World Dwarf Games held at the Michigan Sports University held between August 3 and 10, 2013, won a bronze medal in power lifting in the 5th World Dwarf Games held in Belfast in Ireland in 2009, bagged open championship award in the sports competitions held in Israel in 2010 and won a bronze medal in running race in the RYLA international athletic meet held in Chennai in 2008. He is expected to go the Malaysia in October to participate in the badminton competition.
Mr. Prakash said that he lost his mother some years after giving birth to a boy. His father Muniraju was working as a server in a hotel in Kelamangalam for 25 years. When he suffered a stroke, he had to sell his house for meeting medical expenses.
After seeing his talent, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamiah gave Rs. 1 lakh for his travel to Michigan to participate in the 6th World Dwarf Games.
His friends and relatives too pitched in. He had requested the Chief Minister to extend support for his sports training and sponsor his participation in various competitions. Mr. Prakash had asked the District Collector to allot a house under the Green House scheme of the Chief Minister.
The Collector had promised to get necessary support from the government.
