On crutches, but multifaceted
Neeraj George doesn't let his disability get in the way of his love for adventure.
Neeraj George loves adventure. A native of Aluva, his life itself has been an adventurous journey with many twists and turns. Neeraj, who works as an assistant at the advocate general’s office, had been diagnosed with bone tumor on the knee at the age of 8. His leg was amputated above the knee. His tryst with badminton began then. Although it started as a means for physical activity, he gradually became passionate about it and played para-badminton on national and international levels.
“I watched the game on television and started playing it,” says Neeraj, who plays on crutches. “Internationally, there are no para-badminton players on crutches now. They use prosthetic legs. Before me, there was a German player and he has retired,” says Neeraj, who took badminton professionally during college days. “I read about Badminton Sports Association of India for the Challenged (BSAIC) on the internet. For the first time, I played doubles with their help in Orissa. I won the silver medal,” he adds.
Though Neeraj went to Scotland to pursue higher studies, he clung to his passion. His international stint began in 2009 when he returned to India. He says, “The first one was Israel Open Tournament held in Tel Aviv. I won bronze in doubles.” In total, he took part in six international events held at various places including Spain, France and Korea. He has also participated in national championships. “My assistant job based on these achievements. I was taken in the special sports person category,” says Neeraj, who now focuses more on promoting fresh talents .
Not only para-badminton, but Neeraj is also into trekking and adventure sports. A forest-lover, he turned to trekking between 2011 and 2012. “In Kerala, I have trekked at places like Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam, Ponmudi, Peechi, Ilanjippara Falls, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Edakkal Caves,” he says. Neeraj would never forget the trek at Pakshipathalam, a dangerous trekking point. “It is cave hiking. Covering the rocky and slippery areas had been a lifetime experience. Another interesting sight was the innumerable bats there,” he says. His longest trek is from Munnar top station to Kodaikanal. “I covered 27 km.”
The latest achievement on his list is the first adventure sport — scuba diving — he did a few days ago in Thiruvananthapuram. Organised by Bond Safari, Kovalam, in tune with the state government project — barrier-free tourism, it has been a different experience for Neeraj. “I didn’t know swimming and was afraid of water. But this dive washed away all my fears,” he recalls. “I had to mentally prepare for this. Dr Capt Shanthanu, a certified trainer for the differently-abled, and team Bond Safari provided me with the support. He explained to me the whole process — the gears we use, how to behave in emergency and underwater communication,” says Neeraj. After the briefing, they did a trial in a pool to make him comfortable and familiar with the procedures before heading to the real site. “It was a different world down there. I saw fishes alive and even tried to touch them. An experience to cherish forever.”
He feels barrier-free tourism will be a success. “Though late, it is a good move. It will reap success,” says a hopeful Neeraj. He himself is an example. He remembers one instance, “It was during 2011-2012. I was working in Bengaluru then. My friends and I went for trekking in Edakkal Caves. At the entrance, the forest officials stopped me and said I wouldn’t be able to do it. But I convinced them, went in and returned safe, proving them wrong. They were surprised.”
He breaks the conventions through his deeds. In Neeraj’s words, all these adventures inspire him to do more. He also feels he can be that person who breaks the barrier between the abled and the disabled. “During the Munnar-Kodaikanal trek, I was the only differently-abled person. Fellow travellers were apprehensive about whether I would make it. But my team reached the finishing point second with just 15 minutes difference from the first team. Everyone applauded,” says Neeraj. He prefers visiting tourist destinations on weekdays so that he can do it at his pace. He says, “Walking on crutches is not an easy task. I have to calculate and walk. The locations will be crowded on weekends. I don’t want others to get disturbed. Also, they will look at me.”
Neeraj’s bucket list is full. After scuba diving, now he aims at parasailing and skydiving. His dream is to trek at the Everest base camp. “I plan to do that in February, 2019,” he says, adding that he has six months to prepare for it. “I will have to do modifications on the crutches to suit the terrain and develop my physical strength. I am in touch with trainers and those who have done it before. I hope I could do it with God’s grace and support of my family,” concludes the brave warrior.