I was born into a middle-class family in Mumbai. All was pretty good till I turned 6-years-old. The dreaded polio disease took me in its grip. I was rendered immobile, unable to walk for life.
However, more than my condition itself, it was the society’s attitude which left me in a lurch. I was denied admission to private schools, I had to get admitted to a government school where I received education till SSC.
I wanted to study further, but my father felt otherwise. He felt that spending on my education would be a waste since I wouldn’t amount to much in future and my future would be just resigned to the four corners of the house.
It was my mother who stood by me like a wall. She was the one who had absolute and complete trust in my abilities and she got me admitted to a college.
Circumstances and lack of constant support from family pushed me to look for a job in the employment newspaper. I appeared in 28 interviews, but was rejected in all. The reason-my disability. After much struggle and dejections, I finally landed a marketing job.
I was happy and self-dependent. But it was Sujit, whom I met in college and fell in love with, who believed that I was made for greater things in life. He pushed me to pursue CA. His enthusiasm inspired me and I gave my all to achieve our shared goal. He supported me both morally and financially.
Sujit had to shift from Mumbai to Bengaluru for a job.
My single-minded dedication helped me to glide through the separation. Just when I thought that my life is shaping up well, another tragedy struck me.
I thought of going to Bengaluru and surprising Sujit, but when I reached, I got to know that he has been hospitalised after an accident. I decided to get Sujit back to Mumbai. Unfortunately, his condition only worsened and he passed away.
I was absolutely shattered. This incident pushed me to dark corners of depression where I lived for five years. My friends helped me come to terms with what had happened and I started accepting the reality.
While life regained its normality, I could still feel the void.
An online acquaintance introduced me to wheelchair basketball. I was looking for a distraction from the void and I readily joined. Slowly, I took a great liking for the sport.
Our team won gold at the 6th National Wheelchair Basketball Championship. I am also selected for the national team and have participated in international events.
I am now practising my game and hoping to participate in the next Olympics.
Article Credit: thelogicalindian