They say “Life is never easy. It is your road, yours alone. Others may walk with you but no one can walk it for you.” But how would life be, if you cannot walk. This inspirational story is about someone, who has no idea how it feels to walk. Read her life journey in her own words.
“My name is Khushbu Ganatra. At the age of 2, I got operated for tumour due to which I have a spinal cord injury. So, I have never walked since birth. I don’t how it feels to take steps. As a child, I was never welcomed at private schools. The only option I was left with was that of schools for mentally challenged. Due to several other family problems, I could not study. At 20, I decided to study on my own and even appeared in 12th grade exams. Following that I did a video editing course and worked at a studio for 3-4 years.
Everybody faces ups and downs in life. But I had plenty of them. I was lucky to meet Nisha Gupta who made me familiar about sports. I never knew about something like this earlier. I, hence, started playing basketball. One day, I came across wheelchair lawn tennis while using YouTube. I was curious about how it was played. So I searched about it and decided to go for it. But it wasn’t an easy decision for me.
I was not allowed to practise at the Sports Academy near my place as the authorities were more concerned about their floor getting damaged by my wheelchair. Hence I had to commute 15 km daily for my practice, struggling for nearly 6-7 months but I was determined to play. While looking for a way out, I met Sunil Sir. He is one of the best persons I have met in my life. It is because of him I am a national Tennis player. Whatever I am today, I owe it to him and my mother because they have been my pillar of strength.
My mother is my hero. She is a single parent and I have seen her go through countless difficulties to bring me up. She and my two brothers have always been a constant support as I did not have friends as a child. They will always be a special part of my life.
Whenever things went against me, I have always stood strong and faced them. I have been too stubborn to give up on my desires and I would advise the same to the people like me.
‘Khud se zid karo…
Khud ke liye zid karo…’ “
Khushi, though differently abled, is in no way less able than anyone. Owing to her undeterred willpower, today she is a national basketball player and is now excelling in tennis as well. Apart from sports, her another field of interest is dancing. To make herself better each day at dancing, she goes for gymming and practises daily at home for hours, managing everything all by herself. She is also one of the finalists in the national “Miss Wheelchair” contest. She is a video editor and youtuber by profession. Her channel is getting a lot of appreciation from the people. She sees YouTube as a medium through which she can motivate other differently abled to come out of their houses and not let their disability put limits on their dreams.
Khushi realised her worth in time and is fulfilling her share of responsibility by being an inspiration to others. Let us join her in her effort and make the Indian society better and inclusive.
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