Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. There are very few people who look straight into the eyes of a challenge. And those who do, win the battle of life. Today we have with us an inspirational story that comes from the city of Sumerpur, Rajasthan about Nimish Goyal. He had a spinal cord injury and the body below neck was left paralysed. But what he achieved despite his disabilities is truly remarkable.
Talking about his days at school, he says, “I was like an average student with a habit of daydreaming. I always wanted to achieve something big or do something exceptional in my life. I was never into sports or studies, though I wanted to.” After completing his 12th, he was on his way to Ahmedabad with his father for the purpose of getting admission in B.Com. It was then where, in a car crash he lost his father and himself suffered multiple injuries.
He was treated in Ahmedabad for 2 months after which he was sent to Delhi. Recalling an incident, he tells, “ While I was admitted in hospital, my doctor once said that God had given me a chance and I could become a role model to the society. This triggered my self confidence and became a reason behind my efforts.” Hence, he had a strong will power always and was sure that one day he would achieve something.
He underwent his rehabilitation and today, with assistance, he can walk using a stick. The difficult days have passed but they have made him what he is today. “The accident and the tough time motivated me to do what I once wanted to. It made me feel that whatever desire you have, just go for it. You live life only once, so make it worth living” says Nimish.
Sharing his experience at his first marathon, he tells, “I ran my first marathon in 2014. Although it was completed by assistance provided by my attendant, yet reaching there early morning and participating was a bigger challenge which I was able to overcome. The satisfaction of holding the finisher medal is unforgettable. The first thing I realised after reaching there was that I was the most active person among all the participants and watching them celebrate really changed my perception towards life and boosted me in a very different way.”
He went on to participate in the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship in 2015, at I.G Stadium, New Delhi. In 2016 he participated in an inclusive marathon in New Delhi. He ran the last 5K marathon without assistance and gives the credit to Major DP Singh. He says, “Major DP Singh Sir was the real motivator behind finishing it without assistance. He didn’t allow attendants with us which broke our mental barrier and helped us in finishing it independently.”
Though he enjoys running marathons the most, yet he has been exploring his capabilities to the fullest by trying his hand at dancing and modelling. He loves to study and wishes to continue his education, following which, he wants to do something worthwhile for the people with spinal cord injuries.
He has a message for all the differently abled people like him. He says, “Duniya itni bhi buri nhi hai jitna hum sochte hain ya feeling aa jati hai aisa kuch hone ke baad. All it takes is your courage and your willpower to get out of the bed, access to good medical and rehabilitation facilities, your hard work. Time is changing. Our nation is developing. Facilities are increasing and people’s attitude towards disability is also changing. Come out, ask them what you deserve and show them what you can achieve. It is what they are already witnessing.”
To the society, he wants to say, “It(Disability) is that unexplored area where ‘Return on Investment’ is too high. You must invest your time and efforts in it to create an inclusive society. Tie your seat belts while driving. Do not drink and drive. You never know for what mistake you are going to regret for the whole life. Prevent spinal cord injury.”
Sometimes when you are in a dark place, you think you have been buried, but actually, you have been planted. The statement goes well for Nimish Goyal. Having gone through a difficult phase in life, he is shining brighter than ever. We salute his optimism towards life and appreciate his words of wisdom, wishing that he excels in everything he does.
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