JAIPUR, May 27: A Kargil war veteran who fought against his physical impairment to become India’s first blade runner says his disability should be taken as “this ability” and advised others like him not to succumb to negative thoughts.
Major (retired) D P Singh survived many injuries during the 1999 war but lost his leg to a mortar fire from across the border. He says he accepted the challenges to give his life a new purpose and ensured the “quality of life” is never compromised.
His extraordinary journey from being an Army officer to an amputee marathon runner has given him a recognition as a motivational speaker – a source of inspiration to many.
Speaking at a programme attended by senior Army officers and disabled veterans at Jaipur Military Station, Major Singh said he survived the near-death experience during the war.
The amputee marathon runner gave three-point success mantra to his audience – accept the reality, learn to control mind and increase capacity to achieve what you have wished.
“It took 10 years for me to accept I have lost my leg and my body has suffered numerous (other )losses. My biggest challenge was ‘thoughts’ and not disability. People tried to remind me I have lost my leg…But I said ‘no’ to negative thoughts and that’s where my new journey began,” he said.
“I accepted the reality and controlled my mind.”
Major Singh cadidly takled about his struggles in life as an amputee but said he has learned “to control my thoughts”.
“I increased my capabilities by doing what a man with both legs can do and showed to the world that you can achieve if you have willpower and determination,” he said.
He has successfully participated in 18 marathons after his leg was amputated.
“Someone said my leg was gone as a result of my bad deeds or someone asked why I joined the Army when I could have opted for any other profession. People keep reminding you about your disabilities but if you take disability for ‘this ability’, you can really do well,” he said.
He said he has not rejected the idea of destiny but now believed karma can influence change in destiny.
“When the shell exploded, I fainted but my soldiers rescued me. I was unconscious and almost in coma at the hospital and nothing at all was in my hands yet destiny played its role and I survived. It was all due to destiny. But then began the role of my actions. I was determined to live a life again without compromising the quality of life,” he said.
He gave credit to the Army training he received in making him a determined man and asked disabled soldiers and others to not give up ever and stay cheerful in every situation.
“Fauz ne hame sher banaya hai,” Major Singh said. The spirit of a “true warrior” can never let him fail, he concluded. (PTI)
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