News

Volume 2 Issue 20 - October 15, 2004

Disabled adventurer scales new heights

DNIS News Network - Navin Gulia, a former army recruit, who was paralysed after a fall during training at the Indian Military Academy, is a source of inspiration for disabled soldiers.

History was made last week when Navin Gulia with a 90 per cent paralysed body and 100 per cent medical disability, did the impossible by journeying through seven of the world's highest passes, including Marsimik La in Ladakh at a height of 18,632 feet, in a specially modified car. His journey through the mountain passes took just 60 hours and has earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. General N.C. Vij felicitated him for his feat. Gulia says he has decided to define his ability on his own terms.

The War Wounded Foundation (WWF), which is working to rehabilitate disabled soldiers by providing training for self-employment opportunities, has decided to use Gulia's services to motivate soldiers. The Foundation strives to "forge lasting ties with the corporate sector, with a view to extend individual centric, sustainable and localised rehabilitation solutions to wounded heroes."

Former vice-chief of army staff and WWF president Lt. Gen. Vijay Oberoi said he would like Gulia to visit regimental centres to motivate and make disabled soldiers aware of their abilities and potential.

Undaunted by his medical disability, Gulia worked hard to overcome his difficulties while simultaneously honing his academic skills. He completed his postgraduation in computers and taught the subject for two years and later mathematics for three years.

He is 31 now and is working as a coordinator at The War Wounded Foundation.