Paraplegic flying officer felicitated

On the occasion of Republic Day,flying officer M P Anil Kumar,was felicitated with the Army Commander’s Commendation by Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A K Singh.

During early days of his military career,Kumar,an alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA),was adjudged the best Air Force cadet of the 65th course. After graduating from the NDA,he secured a gold medal for aerobatics and went on to become an ace fighter pilot. Unfortunately,his brilliant flying career was cut short in a freak road accident when he severely injured his spine,losing complete mobility below the neck. But what the injury could not kill was the fighting spirit that was instilled in him. In his journey of self discovery post accident,the former fighter pilot taught himself to write,initially by holding a pen with his teeth and subsequently on computer,using a specially modified keyboard holding a stylus in his mouth. Kumar is a prolific writer in a number of publications as well as on the internet. His life story,Airborne to Chairborne,is part of the syllabus for Class X in the Maharashtra and Kerala.

“In a break from the traditional Republic Day celebrations,Southern Army Commander,Lt Gen A K Singh,spent the morning with the inmates of Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre. All the 68 inmates were thrilled to meet him. GOC in C said that he felt truly inspired by their zest for life,notwithstanding their grave personal challenges of paraplegia and quadriplegia,which handicaps them for even the smallest of daily chores. The indefatigable spirit of the men was on display during the wheelchair basketball match as they enthralled everyone with their skills. The GOC in C pinned his Commendation on Kumar for his indomitable fighting spirit,courage and many accomplishments despite all adversities,” said a press release issued by the Southern Command.

A book on Kumar,with a compilation of all his articles edited by his sister Preeja,was released on January 21 by Ooman Chandy during the golden jubilee celebrations of his alma mater,Sainik School Kazhakootam.