Major Devender Pal Singh needs no introduction. The Army major has set an inspiration for the world with his zeal, will and valour. During Kargil War’s Operation Vijay, a mortar bomb landed near him, leaving him grievously injured. The Army surgeons declared him dead, but he was not ready to die. He came back, beat death with his ‘never say die’ attitude and became an inspiration for the millions.

Now, after 15 years, he is the first amputee marathon athlete of India who has clinched the title of India’s Blade runner by completing 12 half marathons. The man stands out with two Limca book records. His continuous efforts paid off as he also earned a civilian honour from the Government of Canada.

The Inspiring Story

Behind all laurels, is a story of the first Indian who started running on an artificial limb. He overcame all odds that came his way due to his multiple injuries. He not just survived an amputated right leg but partial hearing in both the ears. His stomach was twice operated upon and his intestine was partially removed. A ligament implant deranged his left knee and there are about 40 shrapnels embedded inside his body. His urinary bladder has already been operated for tumour and he has Cervical Spondylosis.

All this did not make any difference in Major D.P. Singh’s life as he has shown that life has to be lived well, no matter what the circumstances are. In his new lease of life, he has improved on a personal level for better. Always a fighter, he showed his fortitude at the half marathon in 2013 after displaying his mettle at the battlefront. He worked upon his timings at the half marathon by reducing the duration from 3 hours and 40 minutes to finishing in just 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Journey Continues

Now, he aspires to win applauds for our country in the sports category and also be a guiding light for the people with different abilities. He desires to encourage them for adopting a positive attitude and bring-in a fresh perspective. He is a #WaveriderOfChange and a source of motivation for those who feel helpless but are not hapless. According to him, specially-abled people are ‘The Challengers’, who should fight out, rise up and shine everywhere, be it a field of adventure or sports. He aims to train more challengers in the area of sports who can bring more medals for India in Paralympics.

Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan, a school for special children salutes this spirited personality who has defeated the odds and is an inspiration for the millions of individuals with different abilities.