Kargil war veteran and India’s first blade runner says disability should actually be understood as “this ability”

An army veteran, who lost his right leg in the Kargil war of 1999 is now India’s first blade runner, who says disability should actually be understood as “this ability.”

He was 25 when he was hit by mortar fire and shrapnel from the explosion had pierced his stomach and his legs, and he was left in a pool of his own blood. When he was rushed to the nearest hospital, Military Hospital Akhnoor, the doctors, apparently, pronounced him dead at first glance — his wounds were grievous.

However, a senior specialist who was visiting the hospital took charge of him soon after and he was not ready to give up that easily. By the time the Major was revived and got back his consciousness, the hospital staff informed him that part of his leg was amputated as gangrene had set in.

As a major part of his recovery, the Major began to play golf in the last half of 2000. “Sports is the fastest way to build the correct attitude,” says the Major. “And with the correct attitude, you don’t feel like you are disabled or an amputee.

He defied the amputation to run marathons and says he recognized it as a challenge and failed to admit defeat to the negative thoughts. He made up his mind to give his life a brand new purpose and ensure that his “quality of life” was never compromised.

Singh has completed about 18 marathons successfully and has a three-point success mantra – accept the truth of reality, figure out how to control your mind, and increase your ability to accomplish what you wish for.

Not only did running as an amputee change Singh’s day-to-day life, but it also helped him change people’s attitudes towards the disabled.

He credits the training granted by the Indian Army to fuel his determination and has advised several disabled troops and soldiers to never give up and stay cheerful in every situation.

DP Singh’s extraordinary journey from being a military officer to an amputee marathon runner has given him recognition as a motivational speaker – and he has been a source of inspiration to many.

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