At this Chandigarh rehab centre, paraplegics regain purpose, pride and even earn paycheques

Founded in 2016 by Nicky P Kaur, who had no medical training but a deep calling to serve, the centre was born out of a life-changing encounter. While running a bakery in Amritsar, Kaur met Manmeet, a quadriplegic man living independently. “Moved by Manmeet, I vowed to empower people with devastating disabilities such as spinal cord and brain injuries,” she says.

Founded in 2016 by Nicky P Kaur, who had no medical training but a deep calling to serve, the centre was born out of a life-changing encounter.

From paralysis to boccia championships

Among the many who have rebuilt their lives here is Ajay Raj from Jharkhand. Paralysed below the neck after an accident in 2006, Ajay arrived at the centre in 2017 for a mouth-painting workshop. His only wish was to support his family and not depend on them. With a chin-operated wheelchair, mouth-pen phone access, and therapy ranging from hydro to occupational, Ajay began to flourish.

He now manages social media and the kitchen at the centre and has represented India in international tournaments for boccia, a precision ball sport. After bagging a bronze at the 2024 World Boccia Challenger in Bahrain, he returned from the World Cup in China just last week. “There was a time when I prayed to God to take me. Now I say—no, I have more to do. My aim is the Olympics,” he says.

Many like Ajay have found new strength—and adventure—here. Residents go on curated outings and participate in awareness events, including an unforgettable 2018 paramotoring initiative titled Wheelchairs with Wings. The centre also provides advanced wheelchair training, helping individuals reintegrate into society with confidence.

From a delivery girl to a wheelchair band member, the success stories here are nothing short of remarkable. Take Flowing Karma, India’s first band on wheels, launched in 2019. Featuring Trideep Chaudhary, Rajiv Kumar, Sandeep Singh, Ajay Raj, Rahul Singh, and Ashish Verma, the band has performed at public events including the Punjab Governor’s residence on Republic Day.

India’s first wheelchair-using Swiggy delivery girl

Another shining example is Vidya Kumari from Bihar. After an accident in 2007, she spent 11 years at home before joining Chandigarh Spinal Rehab. There, she discovered para-sports and has since won over a dozen medals in table tennis—including international wins in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. She also became India’s first wheelchair-using Swiggy delivery girl. “When we leave this world, we shouldn’t feel like we didn’t try,” she says.

There’s Lal Singh, paralysed in May 2023 and abandoned by his father, now working as an accountant at the centre. And Kaushalaya Devi from Himachal, left paralysed after a seizure in 2005 and abandoned by her husband, who today participates in archery competitions, fashion shows, and paragliding. “I call this my new birth,” she says.

‘Acceptance, the first step’

From Tamil Nadu, Kumaresan Anandhan—now an international para-athlete in javelin and shot put—recalls his despair after a 40-foot fall in 2009. Rehab changed that. “Acceptance is the first step to recovery,” he says. “Life does not end after injury. There is still so much to do.”

Kumaresan Anandhan—now an international para-athlete in javelin and shot put–from Tamil Nadu

At the centre of all this is Nicky Kaur, whose vision continues to guide Chandigarh Spinal Rehab. But the demand is growing, and she points to the urgent need for more space, funds, and beds. While spinal injury centres are slowly increasing in India, there is still a dearth of dedicated rehabilitation facilities for brain trauma, she says.

The centre today provides holistic, affordable rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, and more—including care for the elderly and children with special needs. With therapies ranging from physiotherapy and pain management to pressure ulcer care, it stands as a beacon of hope.

“About 80 per cent of those we rehabilitate go on to lead productive, independent lives,” says Kaur. “When God wants something done, He gives us the strength to do it. And when I see smiles on these faces, I know I have succeeded.”

(Nivedita and Amanpreet Thakur are interns with The Indian Express)