People of Value

New Delhi: Rajiv Virat

It's my city. So, I had to run." This was the spirit which drove 25-year-old wheelchair bound Rajiv Virat to join the challenged, as part of the Hutch Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday.

As he steered ahead on his wheelchair, Rajiv, a former professional soccer player was cheered enthusiastically by the crowds. Rajiv was representing the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, Delhi Chapter, ia the run. He said that he had participated in the run to prove that the physically challenged do not need to be confined to a room. His message for everyone was: "Stop cribbing. Start acting."

As he sat watching the celebrating and the excited crowds chatting, sharing and laughing together after the run, Rajiv and his wheelchair bound friend Amit Manga applauded the event that had provided them an opportunity to interact with the outside would.

Rajiv has been fighting a spirited battle with multiple sclerosis since the age of 19. "When multiple I first discovered that I had this disorder I was shocked. But later I look charge of my life and decided to move on. I then went on to do my class 12 privately and specialized in medical transcription. Now I am well settled," Rajiv said. He is a resident of Sarojini Nagar.

He cannot walk, but he has bought a hand driven Maruti to ensure that he stays independent. Not prepared to let the disease take away the zest from his life, Rajiv has ensured that the sportsman within him dose not fade out. "I play wheelchair lawn tennis," he said. He aspires to be an international level player one day.

His friend Amit who runs a business is no less a fighter. Amit said: "Life is not a spectator spot. So, you have to be there in the ring.

Source: Youth racing ahead to beat disabilities. The Times of India, Mumbai, 18 October 2005.