New Delhi: Paralympian Gulfam Ahmed has added many feathers to his cap by winning several state and national level awards. He is also a proud awardee of India’s first wheelchair model. Taking off towards his goals he will now become a part of the ‘Accessible India Corona Awareness Ride’ campaign to be held between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Its an initiative aimed at creating awareness among people against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The courage and perseverance of Gulfam have become a motivation for others. Gulfam, a resident of Bhajanpura in northeast Delhi, is a living proof to the saying that if one empower self immensely then the Almighty will make his wishes come true.
In an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat, Gulfam said that he did not allow his disability to grip him and he realised his inner strength and moved on against all odds. He has strengthened his hands and legs so much that his journey towards his cherished goal is much faster than a common man.
Para Olympian Gulfam revealed how he made the most of his ability against the disability during the ‘Sugamya Bharat’ campaign. He won dozens of medals which is a matter of great pride for him.
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In his appeal to other specially-abled people, Gulfam said that they should not look at their weaknesses.
"Divyangata or disability is a thought. It is not in the body. If someone gives up to his so-called disability, then he would not be able to do anything. A Divyang can do wonders if he makes up his mind to achieve the goal by fighting against all odds. No one can stop him from being successful in life," Gulfam said.
Gulfam informed ‘Accessible India Corona Awareness Ride’ campaign will start on October 10 from Signature Bridge in New Delhi and end at Solan in Himachal Pradesh. After making people aware of coronavirus in Solan, they will return to Delhi.
In this awareness drive, Gulfam will be accompanied by Divyang brave soldiers who participated in the Kargil War. A total of 15 men and women will participate in this campaign as they have set an incredible example of victory by surmounting all odds.
Talking about his achievements, Gulfam informed that in 2008 he secured third position in the Junior National Powerlifting Championship held in Nagpur. Thereafter, he worked harder and kept improving his performance. In 2010, he secured the first position in the Delhi State Paralympic Athlete. In 2011, he secured second position in powerlifting championship held in Nagpur and also bagged the second spot in the Delhi State Paralympic meet. In 2012, he improved his performance and bagged the first position in the Delhi Paralympic meet.
In 2015, Gulfam was declared as Mr Wheel Chair at Mr and Mrs Wheelchair competition held in Mumbai. He has won 33 medals so far. In 2019, the United Nations conferred Gulfam with the Karmaveer Chakra Award. Gulfam secured second position in the National Games held in Bengaluru in 2020 and has also established himself as a motivational speaker.
