13/09/2021
“My parents named me ‘Shatabdi’, after the fastest train, because I was a hyperactive kid who could never sit in one place. I had big dreams–I wanted to be an army officer and serve my country. But when I was 21, I slipped and fell from my terrace. My parents heard me scream and rushed to the hospital. I woke up 5 hours later when the doctors said, ‘You’re paralyzed from the waist down; you will never walk again.’ My world crashed.
I was devastated. I couldn’t even go to the loo unassisted; I felt ashamed, my confidence plummeted. I’d often overhear relatives tell my parents, ‘Aisi beti ka kya fayda, isse behtar toh mar hi jana chahiye.’ But my family came to my defense; Papa would say ‘Bahut aage jayegi meri beti.’
But for the next 6 years, the hospital was my home. My family was struggling; they borrowed from relatives and Maa used her pension money to pay for my treatment. So, when my treatment was over, I promised myself, ‘I won’t let this incident define me, I’ll be independent!’
I began preparing for the banking examinations and cleared them in the first attempt! Papa would proudly say, ‘Manager ka baap hu main.’ But that happiness was short-lived–he suffered a heart attack and passed away within 6 months. I felt a pain worse than falling off the terrace.
To cope with his loss, I began doing social work. Overtime, it helped me heal and also made me realise that what I truly wanted was to serve–my people and my country. So a year later, while watching the Paralympics, I was inspired by Deepa Malik. I thought, ‘If she can do it, so can I!’
So, at 31, I got in touch with a coach and started training in shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw. I’d wake up at 5AM to train, work at the bank from 9-6 and train again. Initially, it was difficult to pick up the weights; I was in pain, but I kept going.
And when I got to know about the state championship, I knew I had to participate. I trained harder and 3 months later, I won a gold in all three–short put, javelin and discus throw! Maa was so emotional; we all missed Papa that day, but I knew he would’ve been proud. And then when I read about my victory in the newspapers, I knew I’d answered all the, ‘Ab aisi beti ka kya fayda?’ questions!
After that, I won several national and international competitions; I’m preparing for the Commonwealth Games already–I’m going to win a gold this time!
That fall, it took a lot from me–my mobility, 6 years of my life, but I’m glad I didn’t let it break me completely. I’m glad that instead of cursing my fate, I decided to power through life. But most importantly, I’m glad I’m finally able to fulfill my dream to serve my country, even if from my wheelchair.”
