The Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) in Khadki, Pune, is house to inspiring tales of people who’ve overcome immense challenges to guide fulfilling lives for the final 50 years. Like this trio right here who’ve surmounted enormous challenges and turned their private tragedies into defining triumphs.
Rifleman Nir Bahadur met with an accident in 1983, and since then has been paralysed. “In 1985, I got here to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune, the place I discovered a brand new household. I began enjoying sports activities in 1994 and went on to take part in worldwide video games, together with Asian Video games and Paralympics. I retired in 2017 as I used to be getting older, however I by no means stopped pursuing my desires.”
Even after retirement, Gurung remained dedicated to staying lively and engaged. ” I picked up a brand new pastime on-line in 2018—studying to play the flute. I additionally love roaming across the centre and speaking with my mates.”
Born in Shillong, Gurung as a toddler moved to Nepal along with his grandfather. His household has a historical past of navy service—his grandfather, father and uncle all served, and Gurung adopted the legacy in 1978. After his accident, he obtained therapy in Pathankot, Delhi and Lucknow. He skilled moments of despair however coming to Pune gave him a renewed sense of goal.
“Rising up in a navy household, I learnt the values of self-discipline and resilience early in life, traits that might information me via my biggest problem,” Gurung displays.
On the centre, Gurung attracts inspiration from his fellow residents. “Watching them obtain a lot evokes me. If they’ll achieve this a lot, why can’t I? Many individuals right here, I’ve discovered, disguise their ache behind a dedication to succeed. This centre fosters an unbelievable surroundings for achievement. I really imagine that if somebody doesn’t do something after coming right here, they’ll do nothing in life.”
His message to the youthful era is easy and profound. “My solely recommendation is: by no means assume small about your self or say, ‘I can’t do that or that.’ Mann ke jeete jeet, mann ke haare haar. It doesn’t matter in the event you fail as soon as—hold at it, and you’ll succeed.”
Pram Kumar Ale, 38
Military Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) personnel
“I used to be born in Nepal and joined the Military in 2005. My father and different household elders got here from a farming background and had been additionally a part of the Military. Since childhood, I beloved the uniforms of the armed compelled, which impressed me to hitch the navy.
I had an curiosity in sports activities from a younger age and performed volleyball. After my accident, I began enjoying badminton. In 2009, I met with an accident. I fell below the truck with the bicycle, leading to a number of accidents, however the spinal damage grew to become a lifelong situation.”
“I used to be handled in Delhi after which referred to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC). 4 months after the accident, I realised I’d be on a wheelchair for all times. It was a really miserable and disheartening realisation for me. It was extraordinarily troublesome to simply accept for a wholesome and robust particular person. My morale and interior spirit took a beating.”
“Once I joined PRC in February 2012, I used to be handled with care which started to rebuild my confidence, however I needed to work on altering my thought course of.”
“I obtained a chance to journey overseas to play badminton, representing each the centre and my nation, which was an awesome blessing for me. By 2013, I began exploring athletics and with the director’s assist, I used to be given a particular wheelchair for taking part in badminton and different sports activities like basketball and throwball.
In December 2013, I received my first nationwide–stage medal, a bronze. After that, I saved coaching and practising each day, by no means wanting again. I’m grateful for what I’ve and proceed to maneuver ahead. Since I started enjoying badminton, I’ve received six worldwide gold medals, seven silver, and 11 bronze medals. On the nationwide stage, I’ve received greater than 20 gold medals.”
“The PRC and navy additionally helped my household in some ways. My daughter research at school 8 in a navy college. With out laborious work and perception, nothing is feasible.”
Mridul Ghosh, 36
Ex-Main Aircraftman (LAC)
“I come from a middle-class household of West Bengal. My father was a milkman. I joined the Air Power in 2006, beginning with a technical background. Throughout my final posting, I used to be a technician for a sophisticated kind of helicopter.
My accident whereas I used to be on obligation resulted in a cervical fracture. It left me paralysed under the neck, with lack of management over urination as effectively. For 3 years, I underwent therapy at varied navy hospitals. Ultimately, after a medical board assembly, I needed to depart the Air Power because of my well being situation in November 2013.”
“After this, I joined the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), the place I’ve been residing for 10 years. Regardless of challenges, I used to be by no means disheartened as a result of I had religion that my nation would stand by me. Officers visited the centre often to encourage us, which strengthened my belief in them. In addition they supported my household.”
A 12 months or two later, I got here to phrases with my paralysis and accepted it as my new life. I realised I may nonetheless do one thing significant regardless of my situation. Throughout my time at PRC, I accomplished my commencement and post-graduation in sociology from Pune College with firstclass marks. I additionally accomplished a diploma in Laptop IT Purposes, an English–talking course and public talking coaching,” he provides.
Portray gave him a totally new perspective and altered his life. “I began mouth portray which helped me overcome detrimental ideas. As I’m quadriplegic, I require help for all my each day duties, however portray has develop into my supply of pleasure and creativity. I often work on 2-4 work at a time, because it permits me to assume creatively and improve my expertise,” he elaborates.
Ghosh has created over 300 work since becoming a member of PRC. Six of his works are displayed on the Maharashtra Governor’s Home, and he has gifted work to distinguished authorities and navy officers. He dedicates 4-5 hours per day to portray and teaches his juniors, encouraging them to seek out pleasure and goal.
‘I used to be enthusiastic about portray for a very long time, however in West Bengal we didn’t have many such services. At PRC, I linked with the Mouth and Foot Portray Artist Coaching Basis in Mumbai. The director Mr Thomas launched me to their affiliation which has been lively since 1956. They carried out their first mouth-painting workshop at our centre in July 2015.”
“Worldwide, there are 800 artists related to the muse, together with 36 in India. I used to be the primary to start out mouth portray at PRC, and now, because the senior-most painter, I mentor others. I obtained major membership within the affiliation in 2017 and a month-to-month scholarship of $150. By way of the Mumbai workplace, I despatched 7-9 of my finest work to Switzerland for analysis, whereas others are displayed at exhibitions. The earnings from offered work go on to the artist, offering monetary assist.”
My most well-liked medium is acrylic as a result of it’s simpler to manage whereas portray with the mouth. Oil portray, nonetheless, is much less frequent because of challenges like fumes inflicting complications. In 2023, I obtained the Achievers Award from Governor of West Bengal, and in 2022 I used to be honoured with Dr Batra’s Optimistic Well being Hero Award and two Creative Excellence Awards,” says the person with an indefatigable spirit.
Colonel Dr RK Mukherji, who joined as medical director and have become secretary of PRC in January 2013, sums it finest, “It’s not about incapacity however the capability to rise above challenges and dwell with dignity.”
