Dr. Mahajebeen Mardarkar, the young doctor who received an electric wheelchair from Zakat Foundation of America donors in 2012, has received the highest achievement award for a disabled student in the medical field from the government of her home state, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Mardarkar wrote in a letter to Zakat Foundation of America Executive Director Halil Demir:
I am glad to inform you that I received a state award on the eve of World Disabled Day. The award is instituted by the government of Karnataka , for achievement in the field of medicine. This was all possible because of your generosity and help in my times of need. I am ever thankful to you and I promise you that I will work hard and eventually give something back to others.
Dr. Mardarkar graduated third in her class from medical school and is pursuing a specialization in dermatology at Father Muller Medical College with ongoing help from Zakat Foundation of America. Her dedication to a life of service is an inspiration to all of us at Zakat Foundation of America.
The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a worldwide observance that calls attention to the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and aims to promote understanding of disability and access issues. In 2014, the Day of Persons with Disabilities fell on December 3 and focused on the theme, "Sustainable Development: The promise of technology."