In a heartwarming ceremony in Nagpur, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, honoured seven exceptional young individuals on Saturday. These children, who once battled severe locomotor disabilities, were celebrated for their remarkable accomplishments in academics, sports, and public service, serving as powerful symbols of resilience and potential.
From Adversity to Achievement: The Felicitation Ceremony
The event was jointly organized by the Children Orthopaedic Care Institute and the Nagai Narayanji Memorial Foundation. It spotlighted how early medical intervention, dedicated rehabilitation, and unyielding determination can empower children with disabilities to reclaim their lives and thrive. Addressing the gathering, Minister Gadkari highlighted the confluence of science, technology, research, and strong willpower in overcoming physical challenges.
"Never give up, keep trying, and do not get disheartened by failures," Gadkari advised. He emphasized that "self-respect, positivity, and self-confidence are the real pillars of success." The minister also commended the institute for its sustained and impactful work in the field of childhood disability care.
Meet the Inspiring Young Achievers
The seven felicitated individuals, all of whom received treatment at Nagpur-based institutions over the years, have charted impressive paths:
- Sujal Amit Vij and Khyati Ram Jajoo: Both have secured admission to the MBBS course at the Government Medical College in Nagpur.
- Arya Manoj Newalkar: Achieved national merit ranking among persons with disability in the CBSE Class 10 examinations.
- Devayani Shriram Dhond: Recently selected for the post of Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Delhi.
- Janhavi Manish Kinhikar: A psychology graduate who wrote her board examinations without any assistance.
- Mehwish Rizwan Khan: Admitted to Government Medical College, Gondia, to pursue an MBBS degree.
- Abhijeet Ashishkumar Sakhuja: A para-badminton player who won a double silver medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025.
The Medical Perspective and Global Context
Doctors present at the event stressed the critical importance of early surgical intervention, followed by intensive therapy and the use of assistive devices. This comprehensive approach can significantly reduce the impact of disability, helping children grow into independent and contributing members of society.
The ceremony also shed light on the scale of the challenge. Locomotor disability is a major cause of disability globally, affecting an estimated 7% to 9% of the population. In Indian children, the bulk of such disabilities stem from orthopaedic problems, neurological disorders, and congenital anomalies.
The event ultimately delivered a potent and hopeful message: with timely care, robust support systems, and innate resilience, disability does not have to define limits or curb ambition. These seven young stars from Nagpur are living proof that extraordinary achievement is always within reach.
