“A Shining Story of Human Endeavor”

“A little change in mindsets can bring a big change in the lives of millions who have locked themselves up in four walls,” says Ekta Bhyan, a para-athlete who bagged a gold medal for India at Asian Para Games, Jakarta in 2018, and is now all set to represent the country in Tokyo Paralympics.

Back in 2003, Ekta was continuing her studies in Delhi with a dream to go into the medical line when a sudden turn of events changed the course of her life. A tragic accident left her with a quadriplegic spinal cord injury, making her lower part paralyzed and her in a wheelchair for life. The mere visualization of the incident gives me goosebumps. 

Nevertheless, credit goes to the girl who never lost hope, accepted what had happened, and moved on. She had to forego her dream to study medicine. Still, she completed her graduation in the year 2013 and went on to become an assistant employment officer in Hisar, Haryana, after clearing the HCS examination. She developed a new inclination towards sports, and ignoring the fact of being a late entrant into the field, started practicing in 2014. With complete support from her family and under the guidance of Arjuna awardee Amit Saroha, the athletic brought laurels to her country! An inspiration for many, she continues to work hard and is focused “in the pursuit of a gold medal for the country.” She represents the nation in the Women’s club and the discus throw sports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the Herculean efforts demonstrated by Ekta in one of his Mann ki Baat programs. He also rightly called her “a shining story of human endeavor.’  

Why we share such stories here?

Sometimes we feel life is hard on us or are just frustrated, possibly for no “solid reason.” That is the time when we can turn to such stories/blogs/write-ups. I felt the same in the morning, and on reading this news, I can find newborn energy in myself. What better way of utilizing and enhancing such positive energy than to share it with someone. Hence, sharing it with you, my dear readers.

Please do share with us if you have any such #StoriesofChange.

Avani Raj Arora