SAKSHAM HUM SAKSHAM KASHMIR SAKSHAM BHARAT
AS A RAY OF HOPE J&K SKIING COURSE CONDUCTED FOR THE SPECIALLY ABLED YOUTH OF KASHMIR : MAR 2022
In an unprecedented move 06 specially-abled youth from Kashmir were provided an opportunity by the initiative of Indian Army to venture for skiing as an exposure for the specially-abled youth of Kashmir. It may be a life changing move for these youth, as it is for the first time this sport is being taken up for the specially abled youth in the country. It may have promising youth in ski sport representing the country in the Paralympics sports.
Skiing for the Specially Abled is yet to be explored in India. These six boys from Kashmir were the pioneers to go through a two week rigorous training under at HAWS, Gulmarg under the supervision of Maj Gen R K Singh, Commandant, HAWS. The event was flagged off by Maj Gen Sanjay Vishwas Rao, GOC 31 Sub Area under the aegis of HQ 15 Corps.
The boys had never done skiing earlier in their life. It was not an easy task to search the volunteers from Jammu and Kashmir. After a deliberate search, the team was formed, they were provided limb and accessories by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, an NGO from Jaipur.
The team successfully completed the 14 days basic skiing course with effect from 12 March 22 to 26 March 22 under difficult conditions. The team was led by Lt Col Dharamdatt Goel, who himself is a war wounded soldier and an amputee left leg, followed by skiiers Mr Gowhair Ahmad Ganiae, Mr Umar Salam, Mr Abdul Rehman Mir, Mr Rafiq , Mr Musaib Rashid and Mr Syeed Nazir. During the course they learnt basic skills of sliding, gliding, snow ploughing, manoeuvring and traversing. Being differently abled with above knee as well as below knee amputation, they conveyed that everything is possible in life, it is mind over body. After learning the basic skills they successfully covered the distance of 250 metres which seemed impossible on the first day. Being one of its kind in the country, their achievement will be registered in the world book of records.
Through their courageous and motivating action they have conveyed a strong message to the youth of Kashmir that despite challenging situation in life if they are determined to take life at its stride and do wonders, the normal youth can always remain focussed towards doing the best in their life and contributing towards the development of the sate and the nation.