Good samaritan - Bhumika Patel tries to raise fitness levels of visually impaired

Bhumika Patel realised the importance of fitness six years ago when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. The 41-year-old program manager at IBM started training to run on weekends. She participated in national and international marathons and is now counted among well-known professional runners in the city.
Patel, who leads a team of women runners at work, formed an informal running club to ensure that people do not drop out of their fitness regimes midway. After leading a healthy lifestyle herself, she wanted to pay it forward. Last year, she met citybased nonprofit Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled during an event. She decided to use her skills for improving the health of the visually impaired by helping them run marathons.

"Previously , many runners attempted introducing running as a fitness form for the disabled but getting the support system in place was challenging," Patel said. "So, among the 70 people in the centre, I picked 23 visually impaired girls between the ages 19 and 23. I wanted to start with a small set and help them improve their overall fitness levels.“ In all, the IT professional dedicates twothree days every week for the cause. The IIM-Bangalore graduate gets on board trainers like herself who would spare at least four hours every weekend to be a personal guide. She sensitises them about health, nutrition and other issues before introducing them to the girls. The guides handhold the girls and run along with them, giving necessary directions. "I want three guides per girl. I am also in talks with blindschool teachers who have an experience working in this field. We have 40 people on board," Patel said. Officials working in Samarthanam are also briefed on how they can do their bit.

Patel uses technology to map the progress made by every girl.Apps installed on the guides' smartphone record distances. Audio cues help the blind runners change direction when required. "The aim is to eventually make them run solo without the support of the guide."

Patel sets periodic goals to ensure consistent fitness. "I get the girls to participate in fitness events every three months. Next in line is the Bengaluru Marathon in October." If this pilot effort is successful, she hopes to replicate this to other nonprofits in the city.

Narendra Pandey, FR Officer - Corporate Relationship, Samarthanam Trust says that Bhumika's efforts make the visually impaired more confident about themselves. "They feel motivated when corporate professionals take time out to meet them. It fuels their curiosity and ambition," he said. "The longterm impact is that it helps the underprivileged lead healthier, more confident lives."