In your worst times, you've only two options

Niranjan was born and raised in Davangere, Karnataka, in a middle-class family. Their family's financial condition was weak as his father, a retired police officer, relied solely on his pension to support all ten children.

"When I was in high school, my father passed away from lung cancer; later, my mother and I shifted to one of my elder brothers' houses. After my class 10th, my mother sent me to study in Bangalore with my elder?brother. In?my class 12th, I had a sudden introspection to prioritize my studies and worked hard every day to get into a good government college.

After pre-university, I joined a top government engineering college for Civil Engineering. During my graduation, I flourished personally and academically by fully embracing my potential and dedicating myself to my studies.

In 1987, I ranked 2nd in my bachelor's degree & became a lecturer in the same college. However, I wanted a career abroad. I applied to IIT, Mumbai, and got into?M.Tech?in Aerospace Engineering.

I obtained my Masters's in 1991 and then worked at Bombay Port Trust for 2 years. Later on, I worked at a software development company for 1.5 years.

In 1994, I was hired by a Mumbai-based MNC and chosen for a major project in California, USA, after completing two months' training in the same company.

Well, God had other plans.

One unfortunate evening, while suffering from a high fever, I fell from my fourth-floor balcony. My friends informed me of on this when I woke up 7 days later in the hospital. I was too shocked to comprehend what happened to me. The doctor said my fall might have been caused by "Delirium," a fever-induced semi-conscious state that clouds the mind.

I suffered a complete spinal cord injury, fracturing my right hand in three places, leaving me paralyzed below the waist; I couldn't move my legs for months, oblivious to news from doctors or friends.

I spent months hoping for a full recovery and a bright career in the?USA. In?1995, 5 months before the accident, my doctor told me bluntly that I would never walk again and that I had to adjust my life in a wheelchair.

After hearing the news, my career and life crumbled. I endured isolation, suffocation in the hospital, and borrowing money from friends due to financial strain. Indescribable hardship.

Depression, anxiety, self-hatred, and losing faith: my frustration led me to attempt suicide until I realized I was trapped in an unending cycle.

With time, I accepted my situation, myself, and my worth. I returned to work at a software company after completing two months of rehabilitation and occupational therapy in Mumbai in 1997.

I work at an MNC in Bangalore and also run ExcelPlus, a Consulting & Training firm, where I coach, speak at TEDx events, and train individuals in their careers and lives.

I've reached millions with my bestseller,' I Choose To Be Unstoppable', overcoming obstacles and delivering my message.

Niranjan's words,

In your worst times, you've two options, either give up or get going. Give up & you lose it there; Fight through and you make it to the finale".