Against all odds: 3 stories of remarkable resilience — a flautist, a national badminton champ & mouth-and-foot artist

Even after retirement, Gurung remained committed to staying active and engaged. ” I picked up a new hobby online in 2018—learning to play the flute. I also love roaming around the centre and talking with my mates.”

Born in Shillong, Gurung as a child moved to Nepal with his grandfather. His family has a history of military service—his grandfather, father and uncle all served, and Gurung followed the legacy in 1978. After his accident, he received treatment in Pathankot, Delhi and Lucknow. He experienced moments of despair but coming to Pune gave him a renewed sense of purpose.

“Growing up in a military family, I learnt the values of discipline and resilience early in life, traits that would guide me through my greatest challenge,” Gurung reflects.

At the centre, Gurung draws inspiration from his fellow residents. “Watching them achieve so much inspires me. If they can do so much, why can’t I? Many people here, I have learned, hide their pain behind a determination to succeed. This centre fosters an incredible environment for achievement. I truly believe that if someone does not do anything after coming here, they can do nothing in life.”

His message to the younger generation is simple and profound. “My only advice is: never think small about yourself or say, ‘I can’t do this or that.’ Mann ke jeete jeet, mann ke haare haar. It doesn’t matter if you fail once—keep at it, and you will succeed.”

Pram Kumar Ale, 38
Army Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) personnel

“I was born in Nepal and joined the Army in 2005. My father and other family elders came from a farming background and were also part of the Army. Since childhood, I loved the uniforms of the armed forced, which inspired me to join the military.

I had an interest in sports from a young age and played volleyball. After my accident, I started playing badminton. In 2009, I met with an accident. I fell under the truck with the bicycle, resulting in several injuries, but the spinal injury became a lifelong condition.”

“I was treated in Delhi and then referred to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC). Four months after the accident, I realised I would be on a wheelchair for life. It was a very depressing and disheartening realisation for me. It was extremely difficult to accept for a healthy and strong person. My morale and inner spirit took a beating.”

“When I joined PRC in February 2012, I was treated with care which began to rebuild my confidence, but I had to work on changing my thought process.”

“I got an opportunity to travel abroad to play badminton, representing both the centre and my country, which was a great blessing for me. By 2013, I started exploring athletics and with the director’s support, I was given a special wheelchair for playing badminton and other sports like basketball and throwball.

In December 2013, I won my first national–level medal, a bronze. After that, I kept training and practicing daily, never looking back. I am thankful for what I have and continue to move forward. Since I began playing badminton, I have won six international gold medals, seven silver, and 11 bronze medals. At the national level, I have won more than 20 gold medals.”

“The PRC and military also helped my family in many ways. My daughter studies in class 8 in a military school. Without hard work and belief, nothing is possible.”

Mridul Ghosh, 36
Ex-Leading Aircraftman (LAC)

“I come from a middle-class family of West Bengal. My father was a milkman. I joined the Air Force in 2006, starting with a technical background. During my last posting, I was a technician for an advanced type of helicopter.

My accident while I was on duty resulted in a cervical fracture. It left me paralysed below the neck, with loss of control over urination as well. For three years, I underwent treatment at various military hospitals. Eventually, after a medical board meeting, I had to leave the Air Force due to my health condition in November 2013.”

“After this, I joined the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), where I have been living for 10 years. Despite challenges, I was never disheartened because I had faith that my nation would stand by me. Officials visited the centre regularly to encourage us, which strengthened my trust in them. They also supported my family.”

A year or two later, I came to terms with my paralysis and accepted it as my new life. I realised I could still do something meaningful despite my condition. During my time at PRC, I completed my graduation and post-graduation in sociology from Pune University with first class marks. I also completed a diploma in Computer IT Applications, an English–speaking course and public speaking training,” he adds.

Painting gave him a completely new perspective and changed his life. “I started mouth painting which helped me overcome negative thoughts. As I am quadriplegic, I require assistance for all my daily tasks, but painting has become my source of joy and creativity. I usually work on 2-4 paintings at a time, as it allows me to think creatively and enhance my skills,” he elaborates.

Ghosh has created over 300 paintings since joining PRC. Six of his works are displayed at the Maharashtra Governor’s House, and he has gifted paintings to prominent government and military officials. He dedicates 4-5 hours per day to painting and teaches his juniors, encouraging them to find joy and purpose.

‘I was interested in painting for a long time, but in West Bengal we didn’t have many such facilities. At PRC, I connected with the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Training Foundation in Mumbai. The director Mr Thomas introduced me to their association which has been active since 1956. They conducted their first mouth-painting workshop at our centre in July 2015.”

“Worldwide, there are 800 artists associated with the foundation, including 36 in India. I was the first to start mouth painting at PRC, and now, as the senior-most painter, I mentor others. I received primary membership in the association in 2017 and a monthly scholarship of $150. Through the Mumbai office, I sent 7-9 of my best paintings to Switzerland for evaluation, while others are displayed at exhibitions. The earnings from sold paintings go directly to the artist, providing financial support.”

My preferred medium is acrylic because it is easier to control while painting with the mouth. Oil painting, however, is less frequent due to challenges like fumes causing headaches. In 2023, I received the Achievers Award from Governor of West Bengal, and in 2022 I was honoured with Dr Batra’s Positive Health Hero Award and two Artistic Excellence Awards,” says the man with an indefatigable spirit.

Colonel Dr RK Mukherji, who joined as medical director and became secretary of PRC in January 2013, sums it best, “It is not about disability but the ability to rise above challenges and live with dignity.”