People of Value

Polio has not demoralized this man

Seated in a low-built thatched roof house in Kasimedu, is a young man with several laurels, including gold medals won in various bodybuilding championships. With the determination to succeed in life and bring pride to the country, M Raja has come a long way by overcoming his physical disability.

Winning the first place in the National Body-Building Championship for the handicapped in the 55kg category twice, 25-year-old Raja aims to scale greater heights by participating in the Asia-level championship. Raja had bagged a gold medal for the first time in 2004 in the National Body-Building Championship organized by the Indian Body-Building Federation.

Participating in the same championship on December 20 this year in Mumbai, Raja once again proved his mettle and 'never say die' attitude by winning the first place. He said that even though he lost his left leg to polio, he did not intend loosing heart over his disability and wanted to achieve something. He was fascinated by bodybuilding and decided that that would be the career for him.

He took up bodybuilding seven years ago and ever since he has bagged several medals and prizes. Hailing from an economically backward family, Raja strived hard to participate in city and state-level competitions. His story of success was certainly not a smooth one, as he had to face challenging and demanding situations, which made his determination ebb.

On several occasions, he felt that bodybuilding was not for him and he was on the verge of quitting due to his economic problems. The immediate need for sponsorship and a stable livelihood had stalled his zest and passion for bodybuilding.

He had decided not to participate in this year's championship as he did not have enough money to participate but a timely sponsorship from the Southern Academy of Meriting Studies in Royapuram enabled him to participate and win the first place. He does not get a proper income from his job as a boat carpenter.

Raja laments that the tsunami has made his life more miserable, reducing the total number of workdays in a month to 10. He has to support his family, pay for his training in the gym, get nutritious food and supplements and cover his traveling expenses. All this becomes very difficult with a low income.

Repeated pleas to the State Government and the Sports Development Authority have not helped. Rather, the apathy of the authorities has only shattered the spirit of this youth. He said that loans to set up a gym would help him to a great extent, but no one has come forth to help. His family has always supported him but the lack of support from outside has hindered his dreams.

Source: Building the path to his ambition. Indian Express, Chennai, 30th December 2005.