Ahmedabad Man Masters Kite-Flying Without Hands
Ahmedabad witnessed an extraordinary sight on Tuesday evening at the International Kite Festival. Chandu Bhati, a 68-year-old resident of Nirnaynagar, took the flying line in his unique way. Even seasoned kitists stopped to watch him. Bhati flew kites deftly without using his hands.
A Childhood Tragedy That Sparked Resilience
Bhati recounted his story. He was just 12 years old in 1969 when communal riots erupted in Ahmedabad. A blast near his home in Shahpur caused grievous injuries. Doctors had to amputate his hands about two inches from the elbows.
The physical loss only fueled his mental resilience. Bhati decided not to allow his disability to become a disadvantage. With constant support from his family and school, he learned to do everything with whatever remained of his arms. From an early age, he became completely independent. He taught himself to perform tasks that a so-called normal person would do.
Devising Unique Techniques for a Beloved Passion
Like most Amdavadi boys his age, Bhati fell in love with kites soaring in the skies during Uttarayan. He refused to give up this passion. Bhati devised a special technique for flying kites. He uses the nook of one arm to support and hold the flying line. Then he wraps the string around the stump of his other arm to pull it during aerial fights.
He also created a method to hold the firki, or kite string spool, with his legs. Bhati has been an avid kitist since childhood and never abandoned this love. He stated confidently, "I can fly kites like anybody else." People sometimes stare when he flies, but he takes it positively.
Bhati retired a few years ago as deputy chitnis in the Ahmedabad Jilla Panchayat. His wife, Kokilaben, uses a wheelchair and is also a kitist. The couple has participated in several national kite festivals over the past few years.
Active Role in Para Sports and Community
Beyond kite-flying, Bhati plays an active role in the Sports Authority of Gujarat. He serves as secretary for para sports. Bhati played a pivotal role in bringing the national junior and sub-junior para athletics games to Gujarat in 2023.
Ranjit Gohel, another city-based kitist with locomotor disability, participates in the ongoing Ahmedabad International Kite Festival with his team. He highlighted a unique club in the city. This club consists of kite-flying enthusiasts with disabilities. Members include wheelchair users and people with other impairments.
Gohel explained, "What connects us is our passion for kite-flying, which runs in our blood as Gujaratis." Participation helps them learn techniques from each other. After all, as Gohel poetically noted, "The sky does not differentiate between kites."
Chandu Bhati's story is not just about overcoming adversity. It is a testament to human spirit and innovation. He turned a personal tragedy into a source of inspiration for many. His achievements in kite-flying and para sports continue to motivate others across Gujarat and beyond.
