Recently, President Droupadi Murmu honoured Dr. KS Rajanna with Padma Shri, the highest civilian award. Mr. KS Rajanna was conferred with this award for his exemplary service towards the welfare of specially abled persons. However, that’s not all, his journey in itself is inspiring. In fact PM Modi had bowed while greeting him in reverence.
The Inspiring Life of Dr. KS Rajanna…
Dr. KS Rajanna, born on 6th December, 1959 in a village in Mandya district of Karnataka is an inspiration for all! At a tender age of 11, Dr. KS Rajanna had to go through a life altering event where he lost his arms and legs to Polio. Imagine the plight of this loss for a child who only 11 years old! However, he didn’t let this one event define his life. Unfazed by his physical limitations he made he took it as a challenge and turned it into his biggest motivation.
Considering himself second to none and with a “Can-Do” attitude he forged ahead in his life. He learned to walk on his knees, worked hard in his studies and earned a diploma in mechanical engineering. He defied all his limitations with his ability to write, walk, run and swim for hours. Mr. Rajanna can even stun you with his ability to drive two wheelers and four wheelers.
Braving all odds, he has accomplished amazing things in a variety of sectors, including social work, sports, the arts, industry, administration, and justice. He worked for the upliftment of other despite being a Divyang himself. In 1980 he established M/s. Shine Disabled Industries under self-employment scheme, which provided employment to around 500 persons. He helped the specially abled people by giving them skill training so that they can lead an independent and a respectable life.
Making India Proud…
In 2013, the Karnataka government acknowledged his unwavering commitment in social service by appointing him as the state’s first disabled commissioner for persons with disabilities. As a commissioner, he enacted and executed policies to create a Divyang friendly environment which boosted inclusivity and accessibility.
He even represented India in the International Paralympics which was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2002. In fact, he made India proud by winning Gold medal in Athletic Discus Throw and Silver Medal in Swimming. Today, Dr. KS Rajanna is an entrepreneur employing over 350 people, many of them being Divyang.
A Day Celebrating A Life of Laurels…
On 9th of May 2024, Dr. KS Rajanna was conferred with the Padma Shri award in the presence of all dignitaries. The room was full of cheerful applauds and BJP MP Mr. Tejasvi Surya shared a post about him on X. He shared a video with the caption being, “Lost hands & legs to polio as a kid, doesn’t give up, qualifies as mechanical engineer, goes on to win gold in Paralympics, turns entrepreneur to give employment to many disabled people. He is Shri KS Rajanna from Karnataka, incredibly determined and resilient #PeoplesPadma.”
Lost hands & legs to polio as a kid, doesn't give up, qualifies as mechanical engineer, goes on to win gold in paralympics, turns entrepreneur to give employment to many disabled people.
He is Shri KS Rajanna from Karnataka, incredibly determined and resilient #PeoplesPadma pic.twitter.com/NUrOsCg4lp
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 9, 2024
Interestingly, Dr. KS Rajanna, during the ceremony had declined the assistance of a Soldier. Thereby showcasing his strong will power and self esteem. Overall, Dr. KS Rajanna’s life is a life full of courage, resilience and above all a life dedicated towards the service of others.