A celebration of life

When people hear the word ‘disabled’, they think of someone who cannot walk or talk or function ‘normally’. But, proving that disability is only a matter of how one perceives life, are the awe-inspiring examples of many differently-abled people from across the city. This year, the United Nations has announced ‘Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all’ as the theme for December 3, celebrated as the International Day of Disabled Persons. From running marathons to riding horses, cycling and winning medals for the country, these individuals are much more sincere and determined than most of us.

A PRODUCTIVE TRANSFORMATION: Harinder Singh, a para-cyclist living in Hyderabad, won a bronze medal in the Asian Championship 2017 in the 13 kilometer time trial event

This is the story of Harinder Singh, a para-cyclist from Hyderabad, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Championship 2017, in the 13-kilometre time trial event. At 22 years, Harinder was a dedicated Border Security Force (BSF) constable, stationed at Kashmir. One day, in 2012, a mine blast forced him to get his right leg amputated. For an army man, the prospect that he couldn’t serve his country anymore came as a shock. “I always used to wish for some miracle to happen where I could go back in time and stop the blast from happening,” Harinder recalls, adding, “I was so depressed until last year that I wouldn’t talk to anybody. One day in Gujarat, I met para-cyclist Aditya Mehta, who counselled me. He told me that I was young and athletic, and that I should try out cycling. I thought I’d give it a shot and went for a training camp. And then my life turned around. It was almost as if I was able to turn back time.”

However, after the amputation and before taking up cycling in 2016, Harinder worked with the BSF in their canteen and did some other office jobs. But ever since he was introduced to Aditya, he has not looked back. “I train full time at his foundation. I cycle about 60 to 80 kilometres every day and work out in the gym. I’m eyeing the next Asian championship, and I’m thinking, why not change the colour of the medal this time?” he says.

LIFE DOESN’T STOP: Prasanna Kumar, marathoner, horse rider, bike rider, photographer and an actor

In 2013, Prasanna Kumar lost one of his legs, after a drunk car driver rammed into his bike. Initially depressed, and on bed rest for six months, Prasanna decided that it was not sympathy he wanted to live his life with — he wanted to prove to the society that he was as ‘normal’ as anyone else. Now, with a prosthetic leg, he not only runs marathons, but is also a horse rider, bike rider, photographer and actor. “I take part in the Hyderabad marathon every year. I recently rode a distance of 2,600 kilometres on my Royal Enfield too. Apart from horse riding, I also act in a television serial called Sundara Kandam and have done a Tollywood movie called Supreme. It is quite painful as the leg is not natural. But, I want everyone to know that I am not different,” he shares.

INFINITE CONVICTION: Jafreen Shaikh, Bronze medal winner, Tennis, Deaflympics, 2017

Jafreen Shaikh, who won the bronze for tennis at the 2017 Deaflympics held in Turkey, says, “I need to first credit my parents for what I am today. My father always ensured that I was treated without any discrimination. He was there beside me all the time and constantly encouraged me. My passion for tennis has only grown because of my upbringing — it never allowed my disability to come in the way of my success.” However, Jafreen is so full of confidence as she has overcome and conquered many difficulties in life. “Lack of proper infrastructure, mentorship and financial aid to name a few were some of the struggles,” Jafreen comments.