MODI: THE SUPER HERO, EVERY HERO WANTS ON THEIR SIDE!

MALIK - BEYOND DISABILITY

Deepa Malik talks about her meeting with PM Modi post her return from Rio Paralympics in 2016. She recalls how in her career of 10 years and years of winning medals, it was the very first time when the Prime Minister of India had invited her to be part of a Meet and Greet ceremony. PM Modi called her by her name and said “Deepa, in all your lectures, speeches and interaction with other players, it is your positivity that comes to the fore. I myself watch your videos many a time and I feel positive.” I believe nothing can make for a more memorable moment than when the Prime Minister himself acknowledges your inner strength and courage, says Deepa.

It was after Tokyo 2020 Paralympics when all the athletes met Prime Minister Modi after returning home with 19 medals. I had participated not just as a sportsperson but as a team leader too in those Paralympics. Modiji supported, blessed and encouraged all the athletes before they left for the event. The medals, which we won through Modiji’s support and our hard work were instrumental in changing the way people perceive disabilities. PM Modi’s encouragement paved the way for Paralympics to be treated like mainstream sports in India.

He met all of us with great love, affection and appreciated our efforts. He took time out for us generously from his tight schedule- a PM’s time is always invaluable - and those golden moments will remain itched forever in the hearts and minds of our young athletes. The best part about this was that PM Modi had detailed information of each and every player. He just wasn’t aware of the personal lives of the athletes but he also followed them religiously throughout their Tokyo tour so much so that he knew what exactly the players were doing at what time, what their likes and dislikes are, much like a family member would do. This differentiates PM Modi from all other leaders India has ever seen- his keen interest in people, their problems and aspirations and a burning desire to help everyone reach their goals. Such encouragement coming from the PM completely changes the psyche of the athletes and they are filled with the fervour of patriotism, the desire to bring home a medal!

It is obvious that when the PM himself is interacting with players, there is this inevitable focus on governance. The players share numerous thoughts with him and they include feedback the facilities, a look into their problems, the process of preparing for tournaments, and when our PM takes cognizance of such issues, it does not only encourage the players but it helps in bringing the country together and transforming the mindset towards the disabled.

I thank our PM for mentioning my achievements in his Sept 25, 2016 Mann Ki Baat when he said that he will never forget my words I spoke after I won the silver medal in Rio. I had said “ with this medal I have defeated my handicap”. I believe Modiji found it energizing and I thank him for recognizing me for all my efforts.

I clearly recall one very special moment with PM Modi when I experienced how much he cares about his countrymen. It was a reception on August 15 at Rashtrapati Bhawan and I had the honour to be a part of it too. When PM Modi came towards us, he began by interacting one by one with all the athletes. We already know how well-versed he is at all times with the personal and professional details of each and every player. At the same time, his aura is so magnetic, that people tend to flock to him naturally. As he approached me, suddenly a lot of people came towards us to greet him. In their excitement, they somehow overlooked the fact that I was sitting there, at the centre of the commotion. And all of them starting reaching out to the PM over me which was a cause of discomfort for me.

But then the most unexpected happened. PM Modi himself, with both his hands, created a kind of barrier around me as if trying to shield me in that commotion. And then, being the beloved brother of every woman in the country, he placed his hand on my back and told everyone to be cautious. He said “Deepa has undergone several surgeries and her back has innumerable stitches. Please do not lean over her. She will get hurt.” At that moment, tears swelled in my eyes when I heard the PM say these words so full of empathy, compassion and concern. I felt it was totally remarkable that a he should even remember that Deepa is struggling with a spinal cord injury and that the Prime Minister should try and protect her from bodily harm.

I was touched and overwhelmed by this expression of concern for me by PM Modi. I have had the privilege of meeting and interacting with PM Modi on numerous occasions over a decade. In fact there was one instance when he himself wheeled my wheelchair to the stage during a programme! I got a call from PMO one day that said “Deepaji you need to reach Ahmedabad for an event.” It was at a very short notice but for me it was a matter of great pride and honour as I was being invited at the inauguration of TransStadia, which is one of the most advanced integrated multi-purpose stadiums in the country. Some of the finest athletes of the country were invited to this event but PM Modi came up to all of us and said “This line up of great achievers would never be complete without a woman, and without a disabled.” And then he wheeled me onto the stage prior to his address. What made the evening more memorable was that during his three minute speech, PM Modi again addressed the youth of the country and said that if someone really needs inspiration to be able to overcome the challenges of life, he or she must definitely read Deepa’s biography once. She is a living example of grit and resilience.

That day to this moment, it has been my endeavour to live up to the faith, concern and respect PM Modi harbours for me. I would never want that trust to break and at the same time I want to continue to contribute in the making of my New India that cares for its women and its disabled. TO BE CONTINUED…

DEEPA MALIK - PARALYMPIAN ATHLETE