26/11 hero who went from taking 4 bullets to winning Ironman title four times

A new life, built from scratch

After retiring from active service due to his permanent injuries, Praveen was left to navigate life all over again. With limited mobility, a ruptured ear and long-term health challenges, he decided to reinvent himself through education.

“I stood in a new world with no map,” he said. He completed his law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, pushing himself through pain, surgeries, and long hours of study. Today, he practices as a lawyer in Delhi fighting civilian cases and far from defence services.
“I love my new profession,” he says. “Now I am the voice of the under-privileged, and the voice of many soldiers who face hardships in service and after retirement.”

An iron will

If law gave him a new identity, running rebuilt his spirit. Despite severe injuries, Praveen refused to let physical limitations define him. He trained relentlessly, eventually competing in endurance races, marathons, and even the gruelling Ironman challenge winning the title four times.

He has run several races across India — including one full marathon and one half marathon in Pune.

“Pune is special,” he says with a rare smile. “Every time I am there, the city fills me with motivation. My memories from the AFMC marathon in Pune are strong even today.”

Along the way, he began inspiring others — speaking to the youth, corporates, and institutions as a motivational speaker. “If I can stand up and run after four bullets, anyone can rise from their struggle,” he tells them.

Wearing many hats, carrying one hurt

But beneath the optimism lies a persistent ache — not for his own suffering, but for the silence around it.
“In our country people treat actors like national treasures, but soldiers… soldiers are forgotten the moment the firing stops. And often their voice is lost once the uniform is gone.”

The dissatisfaction is deeper than emotion — it is structural.

He said injured veterans receive pensions too small to live a dignified life. Talking about the system of support for disabled soldiers he said, “Apart from a pension, there is no great government support for soldiers and their families. I had no support from the government when I wanted to study law. Disabled soldiers who want to rebuild their lives have limited means to study, work, or stand again. Even my children did not receive any educational support.”

Today, Praveen is a lawyer, a marathoner, an Ironman, a motivational mentor, and above all, a man who rebuilt his life with stubborn courage. He just wishes, he says, that the system kept pace with soldiers’ determination and courage.