44-yr-old took disability as a challenge to conquer world

Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, October 4

Disability is not a curse, but a challenge, if you are determined and focused. No obstacle can deter you. This is what keeps Vinod Rawat going. The 44-year-old, who lost his foot in an accident at an early age, went through a lot of humiliation, with the “disabled” tag appended to his name, but he never gave up.

He was here for the screening of a documentary ‘Dance of Joy’ by UK-based director Christine Booth at the fifth International Film Festival of Shimla.

The documentary showcases case studies of the success of ‘Jaipur foot’ in shaping lives of the disabled. Rawat has inspired many after he got the ‘Jaipur foot’ (a prosthetic leg for below-knee amputations).

The Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahitya Samiti runs the Jaipur Foot Centre, which provides artificial to amputees all over the world.

From cycling and biking to Leh-Ladakh, competing in Raid De Himalaya, participating in a reality show to getting the President’s Award for bravery, ‘Dance of Joy’ aptly describes Rawat’s life.

“I left home to carve a niche for myself at a tender age of 14 after my leg had to be amputated as my parents could not afford Rs 25,000 for treatment. I had become a burden,” said Rawat, adding that he fell in bad company, but was fortunate enough to be rescued by a missionary, who sent him to an NGO working for the rehabilitation of troubled youth.

“Gradually, I gained confidence and started working during the day and studying at night. My life changed after I got the ‘Jaipur foot’ from the Jaipur Foot Centre in Mumbai. I went back home and my family was happy to see me walk normally. I started afresh and participated in biking events and even Roadies,” he said.

Now, a motivational speaker, Rawat, along with 70 riders, joined a group to prepare for a biking event to Leh-Ladakh, but was not allowed as he had an artificial limb. To prove himself, he formed a Convoy Control Club, the first-ever Bikers Community Club of the disabled in the world.

The club organised an expedition to Ladakh with the message — ‘Beyond the Odds, Build Back Better’— to help cloudburst victims. “We raised Rs 18 lakh, built six houses and got the President’s Award for the brave act. When I told my wife that we have accomplished what we had planned, she asked me to come back soon as the landlord was demanding four-month rent. I have travelled a long way from disrespect to respect,” said Rawat, whose only aim is to help the disabled lead a better life and reach the right place for artificial limbs.

Lost foot in mishap

Vinod Rawat, who lost his foot in an accident at an early age, was in Shimla  for the screening of a documentary ‘Dance of Joy’ by UK-based director Christine Booth at the fifth International Film Festival of Shimla. 

From cycling and biking to Leh-Ladakh, competing in Raid De Himalaya, participating in a reality show to getting the President’s Award for bravery, Rawat has come a long way.