The tireless dedication of a Mother: the key to a Paralympian's Success
"Ek medal humari ma ko bhi milna chahiye kyoki humari ma k life me koi holiday nahi hota" (Our mothers should also get a medal because there is never a holiday in a mother's life) were the first few lines that Kshitij Shandilya, a para-athlete, shared with me at the International Museum Expo 2023. Standing proudly behind his wheelchair, Neelam, his mother, not only provided physical support by pushing his wheelchair but also supported his career and life.
Kshitij, a 20-year-old, was born with 85% disability of Cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user by birth. When his father and family disowned him because of his medical condition, his mother continued to raise him as a single parent. The journey of it was filled with thorns but the path that this mother-son duo has managed to pave with perseverance and strength will inspire generations to come.
While talking about his son, Neelam exuberated pride. "He has passed from 12th standard recently. He has numerous medals, both national and international. He also has a degree in vocal music from the Prayag University. In YMCA Nizamuddin school, he grabbed the first prize in the interstate music competition for 5 years back to back," she said. She further added "He takes part in marathons, shot put, and club throw. He tries his hand at various things, which is why I take him to various places."
Her care and support for him were evidently visible and painted a picture of a mother who tirelessly provides for his child no matter the circumstances. One such instance was her taking him to the washroom. So much for calling specially-abled people "Divyang" that a national event didn't have accessible washrooms for them. While a washroom was made, it was rendered useless as it was locked, and even after persistent requests to get it opened, no one looked after it. When asked about such arrangements, she said "It is okay. What can we do? It happens".
Upon being asked about how he felt coming to the event, he replied, " I had a lot of fun". On being further asked about how he felt listening to PM Modi at the inauguration of the Museum Expo, he said enthusiastically that he was very happy to see and listen to him live for the first time. But what can melt anybody's heart was his statement saying he wants to build a startup of clothing with his mother in the future.
Kshitij is a very passionate para-athlete. He has taken part in many competitions. He earned nine gold medals in total at the 14th, 15th, and 16th National Para Athletic Championships for People with Cerebral Palsy. Additionally, he competed in the 2018 National Cerebral Palsy Games in Nadiad, Gujarat, and took home two gold medals. The International Book of Records acknowledged his achievements and announced him as the "INSPIRING HUMAN AWARD" on 20th September 2022.
He has many such achievements to his name but his mother is the key ingredient to his journey to medals. Looking at them a quote from Geeta strikes: 'यत्भावो, तत्भवति ', which translates to 'You become what you believe'. His mother relentlessly believed in her son's ability and hence he became what he is today- an extraordinary boy with an extraordinary story.
