Padma Shri Awardee Who Defied Polio, Empowered Loads


Regardless of dropping his limbs to polio at 11, Dr Okay S Rajanna was a Paralympic champion, social activist, and entrepreneur, using over 350 other folks. Right here’s his adventure to advocating for the rights and illustration of individuals with disabilities.

On the younger age of eleven, Dr Okay S Rajanna skilled a life-altering tournament when he misplaced his legs and arms to Polio. Unfazed by way of his serious bodily boundaries, he discovered power in his resilience. 

He learnt to stroll on his knees, labored onerous as a pupil and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.


Within the 2002 Paralympics, he additionally received India a gold in discus throw and a silver in swimming.  

Hailing from Bengaluru, this 64-year-old is a social activist, who devoted his existence to serving to the disabled

Regardless of the demanding situations, Dr Rajanna dedicated himself to empowering others going through identical demanding situations. His relentless efforts in social provider have been recognised by way of the Karnataka Executive in 2013, when he was the primary disabled Karnataka State Commissioner for Individuals with Disabilities. 

As of late, as an entrepreneur, he leads a industry that employs over 350 other folks, a lot of them are individuals with disabilities. 

This yr, his abnormal contributions and unwavering dedication have been additional honoured by way of President Droupadi Murmu, who conferred him with the celebrated Padma Shri award for exemplary social paintings.

After receiving the award, he stated, “This must now not simply stay as an award however it must assist me additional in my social paintings. There’s no political reservation for Individuals with Disabilities (PwD) and I am hoping that this award activates the State and Union Executive to nominate a PwD as a member of legislative council or the Rajya Sabha. We don’t simply need sympathy, however the alternative to workout our rights.”

Via his relentless efforts, Dr Rajanna has proven that with resilience, braveness, and a center devoted to provider, one can flip non-public trials into triumphs.

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Edited by way of Padmashree Pande



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