Self comes last

This write up is about how it is possible to bring change, from apathy to respect. A soldier's way.

Read and comment pls.

1999 I got injured & in 2001, after wearing WW 2 version of conventional prosthesis, ALC (Artificial Limb Center) Pune provided me Ottobock prosthesis, a German company producing high tech artificial limbs.

1st leg was very comfortable, perhaps Indian Army had opened the gates for civil companies for the 1st time and work done in making my leg was methodical, hence the outcome was best.

After that the trouble started, very soon when leg was re made, it was not so good. As I had tasted the better side, I use to ask for improvement and refuse to settle for casual work. My questioning and objections slowly became painful for some of the guys.

I was taken as pain in arse. It was not the fault of Ottobock company but people who were working there. The overall trend of treating amputees as per person's whims and fancies, was a routine for all prosthesis companies. Totally apathetic.

I use to fight, but it made me a trouble creator among them. My fight use to be against the shabby work and treatment as I never use to take it lying down.

The same attitude of mine, for not settling for sub standards, made me do unconventional and unheard in Indian history. Running marathons and proving the worth to bring back respect for amputees.

It was better to suffer the pains of injuries, I use to sustain in running, than to settle for sub standards.

I also thought if I increase the numbers (demand) of many like me, companies will have to adapt and improve the quality of services. Simple demand and supply rule.

That was the inception of The Challenging Ones (TCO), the NGO I run, since 2011.

I also had a dream of participating in Paralympics and win personal laurels but I gave up that because as a soldier, country is always 1st, then your team and self comes at last. And country was in need of better and dignified life for amputees.

Slowly from 1 me to many like me, as a part of TCO, changed the scenario.

Today there are many who are cherishing the benefits. A few may or may not even remember me but I am happy as I did my duty.

The post I am sharing today Check this post is from the same company, employees of which, took me as nonsense/trouble creator. I am happy the company itself accepts that The Challenging Ones, changed the scenario of amputees.

That is my medal of Paralympics. And I must appreciate the positive gesture by Ottobock to post about The Challenging Ones.

I am blessed.

PS: Organizations are made up of people. Their work makes or breaks the name of company. Therefore each one of us should respect our work and serve the clients as they should serve own family. Its all a matter of Attitude. Today there are many in this industry who are serving amputees as the best. God bless all of them.

Live, spread smiles and love. Blessings will flow automatically.