These Inspiring Stories Of 4 Disabled Indians Who Refused To Resign To Their Fate Will Amaze You

Life is not as easy for the physically challenged ones. But it is certainly in these peoples' hands to either go into depression because of their handicap or take their disability as a challenge and make the best out of their lives. Here are four such examples of ordinary Indians who went to do extraordinary things that inspired one and all!

1. This Girl Is No More Dependent On Others

Malini Bhandari – from Kaudur village (Kanajar) in Karkala Taluka, Karnataka – was just eighteen months old when she met with an accident that changed her life forever. She was playing with her twin sister near the fireplace where paddy was being boiled. Suddenly, Malini got off-balance and fell straight into the fire. Then, her doctor made the matter worse, as he couldn't treat her well, as a result of which, Malini lost her fingers and both of her palms. Since her family – which comprised of eleven members including her parents, five siblings and three elders – was financially challenged, and couldn't provide her proper treatment.

However, her parents enrolled her in Lourdes' Higher Primary School in Kanajar. After battling few initial challenges, Malini finally learnt to write with her hands. But soon she developed inferiority complex, as she was treated differently from other kids. That, plus financial crunches at home, led her to put an end to her education after fourth standard.

But destiny had something else in store for this girl. A teacher at her school, Willie Master, who had been observing her and was touched by her story, wanted her to finish her studies and become independent. She assured Malini's parents that he would take care of her education and clothes, after which, Malini was allowed to go back to school. And then, there was no looking back.

Malini began her journey towards a good education, confidence and self-appreciation. She completed her graduation from Shri Venkataramana Women's College, Karkala. Malini graduated in Engligh Honors with 66% marks. Then, she did a Post Graduate Diploma Certificate Course in computer. She was employed by the Savitha Samaja Co-operative Bank as a clerk.

In the end, I would just say – what's better than an independent life? This is truly an inspiring life story for those who give up easily instead of facing their challenges and achieving their goals.

2. She Is So Strong That She Can Put You To Shame

A Hyderabad resident, Sujata Birla's life took the most dramatic and unexpected turn in the year 2009 when she was on a pilgrimage to Shirdi in Maharashtra. She met with a serious accident that took away her ability to walk forever! This is when she realized that those who claimed to be friends were never her well-wishers, they abandoned her. If that was not all, she lost her father in 2004 and all hell broke loose for her!

But soon, Sujata began taking things in her stride. She became a keen learner of stock markets and grasped all the tricks of the trade before taking her next step.

Sujata has become an expert trader now, and easily makes Rs. 2-2.5 lacs a month. While we are at it, it becomes mandatory to mention here that she even managed to make a whopping amount of Rs. 6 lacs in September 2007, when the Nifty was up 186 points. The girl is going great guns, and is a living example of strength and determination.

3. He Is Proud To Prove Everyone Wrong

A Mumbaikar, Ashish Goyal, lost his eyesight when he was just a teenager owing to a serious eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa. Years later, during the placements process in his college, Mumbai's NMIMS, Ashish was advised by a corporate enterprise to avail the quota advantage in government sector for physically challenged, and get himself a job there. Ashish immediately geared up to prove that he was not different from the ones who could see! It was only his first step towards a great success story that he got placed at ING Vysya Bank. Also, he set an example by securing a second position in his batch at NMIMS.

All this was not all for Ashish. He enrolled for an MBA course from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Today, he has an enviable job at JP Morgan's London operations.

If his work profile is full of achievements, his personal space too is as interesting. Ashish has learnt boxing, Argentine tango, and has also learnt to play Brazilian drums. He has many more such achievements to his credit.

Ashish was bestowed upon with the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2010.

4. His Love For Adventure Never Died

Delhi's Navin Gulia wanted to join Indian Army as a Commando. And he had been mentally and physically preparing himself for the risky job. After years of professional training, things came to a halt for this go-getter on an ill-fated day! As a part of a competition, Navin crossed an 8-feet ditch, running straight up the steps of the high ramp. That's when the tragedy hit him! The moment he reached the top, an accidental push from behind led him to fall all the way down. The fatal accident injured his spine badly, paralysing his whole body.

Doctors too gave up hopes of his recovery ever, and declared him permanently 100% disabled. He had to depend on a wheel chair to move around.

But Navin was an enthusiast. This one challenge didn't shake his spirit. He did a PG Course in Computer Management and started teaching computer science in several Institutions. Navin has a coaching centre in Gurgaon now. Despite achieving all this, he was not really satisfied; he wanted to dabble in adventure sports, which he indeed did. It was his passion for sports that booked a Limca world record in his name in September 2004. Navin became the first and only person to drive non-stop from Delhi to Marsimikla 18,632 feet, the world's highest motorable pass, in 55 hours without any break.

Apart from various other things, Navin runs an organisation that supports disabled children. He has also written two books on his life experiences.