Dr. Naseema Hurzuk
The President
Dr. Naseema Hurzuk was born on 2 September 1950 at Solapur, Maharashtra, India. She was a happy active teenager taking part in sports and cultural activities when she was struck with paraplegia at the tender age of 16 years. Her father who was her strongest support died soon after she became paraplegic. Naseema silently suffered the trauma and physical discomfort for several years. During this difficult period her family stood solidly behind her. Her father’s motivation in the form of a couplet always ringed in her ears. “Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ki Har Taqdeer Se Pahle – Khuda Bande Se Khud Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai – (Raise yourself to such a status that God himself would ask you your wish).With inspiration and motivation from Shri Babu Kaka Diwan a paraplegic who ran his own industry, drove his own car and travelled by airplane, Naseema overcame her personal grief and completed her graduation and got employment in Central Excise Department on her own merit where she rose to the position of Deputy Office Superintendent. In 1999 she resigned from her job to devote herself fully to social work.
In 1973, Naseema participated in the “Stock Mandville Games” for the physically challenged held in London. In London, she met physically challenged persons from all over the world. Seeing the facilities for the disabled in London and confidence of the disabled from developed countries, Naseema decided to work for the physically challenged. She formed an organization with a few but soon realized that her idea of social work and rehabilitation of the disabled was very different from her colleagues. She started anew and formed ‘Helpers of the Handicapped, Kolhapur’ {HoH) in 1984 with a few friends. Naseema worked as Treasurer of HoH from 1984 till 1991 and then led the organization from the front for early 29 years as President till July 2020. She resigned as President of HoH in July 2020.
Awards and Recognition
Naseema has received several awards and recognitions. A list of awards won is given elsewhere. A few recognitions are as under
A portrait of her life and work was included in the book “Daughters of Maharashtra” a record of exceptional Maharashtrian women.
Naseema was appointed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India on the Committee under the “National Commission for Women” as a “Member of Expert Committee on Disabled Women” as well as on the Committee under ‘National Trust’ for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities. This three member committee comprised of the District Collector, Indian Red Cross Authority and Naseema.
Naseema was invited as a Special Guest for the International Year of Women’s Empowerment 2001 celebration by Maharashtra Foundation in New Jersey, USA.
Naseema was appointed as a Member of the Advisory Committee of Stri Abhyas Kendra (Women’s Study Centre) of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Naseema was conferred Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Kolhapur on 17 Feb 2014 in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of social service.
Naseema was appointed a Member of the Senate of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Naseema has humbly received all awards on behalf of her organization. She acknowledges the whole hearted support of her colleagues, donors, and well-wishers.