I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle.  I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much ~ Mother Teresa

I am sharing a real life story of courage, confidence and determination. A young soldier was severely incapacitated in the Siachen glacier region also known as the world’s highest battle field situated at an average altitude of 18,000 feet above sea level. An account of the incident is given below in the newspaper item:

 

The army provided singular support to Major Rajesh by way of intensive medical care and a suitable employment in the army to rehabilitate him. But despite the physical and mental challenges Rajesh Mehta continued doing his work devotedly and always with a helpful attitude. He is known to be an officer with a smiling demeanor who never says yet finds solutions to problems of soldiers.

In earlier days!

In earlier days!

 

In such adverse physical conditions many would give up hope but not this young man a trained commando and an inspirational leader of troops who lives up to the motto “Mushkil waqt commando sakth” i.e., “When the Going Gets Tough the commando gets going”!

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path” ~ Buddha

On 9th December this year a wonderful event happened took place. Major Rajesh received his orders for his promotion to the coveted rank of a Lieutenant Colonel. This news brought happiness and pride to all those who have known Rajesh’s brave struggle to overcome all odds.


I asked Rajesh to share with us the source of his strength to face life with enthusiasm and cheer. Please do read his message –

 “With the blessings of Almighty & good wishes of all your bloggers and my family & friends I have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel on 9th Dec 2013. The positive messages from you on earlier blog posts (https://dilipnaidu.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/india-proudly-celebrates-25th-independence-day/) have encouraged me immensely. I am especially grateful to my wife her courage, fortitude and support during our ups and downs. My young son too is a spirited and wonderful company for me.

I feel great pride in being part of such a wonderful organization ‘The Indian Army’ & its humane approach to employment management and thank them for taking care of me and my family in every way.


I wish to share with you what helps me cope with my disabilities of triple amputation and CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident)?

As per medical prescription, I was bound to be on lifelong medication. During the post amputation period when my entire time was spent on the hospital bed with hardly any scope of exercise except being picked up on a wheelchair & taken around. Fortunately for me it was my doctor who suggested that I could follow the Yoga/ Pranayama being telecast live on TV in the early mornings.

Initially it was difficult for me to pick up the technique of Anuloma Pranayama (Anuloma pranayama is breathing through alternate nostrils).

But after a period of one month my body got used to deep slow inhaling and absorbing oxygen in abundance. I continued with medication till mid 2009 & also kept doing Pranayamas. I had to tolerate the strong side effects of the medications. But in Jan 2010 my neurophysician after detailed assessment of my progress felt I could taper down my medication.

And by the end of 2010, not only was I rid of my medication but could also do 50 sit-ups on the bed. I continued with the same routine and as on date I am able to do 200 sit-ups every day followed by an hour of Pranayama. Finally I would advice all friends to allot some time every day to do breathing exercises or Pranayama and continue a medicine free healthy life.”

   “When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace” ~Author Unknown

 

Dear blogger friends do join me in wishing Lt. Col Rajesh and his family good luck and plenty of happiness.

 

 

Namaste

Namaste

 

About Dilip

An open mind! Love to share my thoughts and a keenness to learn. An engineer and a MBA I had a wonderful innings in the Army and later moved to consultancy and teaching. My current interests are music and growing culinary herbs. Love to play golf and do yoga regularly. I am serious on "Living life less seriously". A warm welcome to you be well and be cheerful always.

96 responses

  1. Nitin Tyagi says:

    I really don’t known what to say. This is so inspiring. I know life throws challenges to all, but we are talking about extreme challenges here. I am not a regular blogger. But this really caught my eye and made me write. For ppl seeking motvation I really wud advise them to read this. I congratulate Colonel Rajesh Mehta for the promotion. Sir u really are an inspiration for many. I wish you and your family lotttt of happiness..!!

    Like

  2. Saloni Sharma says:

    That is an immensely inspiring story, to say the least.. first of all, i truly appreciate Dilip Naidu Sir for blogging about this, i am sure it will touch many hearts like it touched mine..i am fortunate enough to have met Lt. Col Rajesh Mehta..Uncle, you are such a wonderful and refreshing person..your never dying spirit is soooo hugely inspiring that it makes me believe that yes..it is up to us how we take things and being positive the key..i have learnt a lot from your bravery, courage, will power and attitude..this story is a life lesson..for sure 🙂

    Like

    • dilipnaidu says:

      You are so right Saloni. Your words so beautifully extol the virtues of this fine ‘officer and gentleman’. All of us who have met him are truly blessed.

      Rajesh will always remain a glowing inspiration for us forever.

      Thank you for your visit and many good wishes!

      Like

    • Rajesh Mehta says:

      Thank u so much Saloni for your kind and humble words. i wholeheartedly appreciate your thoughts. It was indeed pleasure to meet you. Wish you good luck and God speed in your all future endeavours.

      Like

      • Saloni Sharma says:

        Thank you so much Dilip Naidu Sir and Rajesh Uncle ! 🙂

        Like

        • Rajesh Mehta says:

          Saloni Beta, pleasure is entirely Ours. Barkha & Divyanshu join me in conveying their sincere thanks and regards to you, Sharma uncle & aunti Ji for visiting us and making that evening so special and unforgettable.

          Like

  3. Heta Gala says:

    Thanks for sharing this story. And i completely agree with your title “believe in yourself”. Too good. Keep blogging 🙂

    Like

  4. Dilip, this post is a wonderful reflection of the selfless spirit which lives within you! God bless!

    Like

  5. Word Press suggested I might want to follow your blog because we share many of the same followers and have common interests. This is a beautiful post of courage and the absolute will to live. I’m on my way to discover other posts within your blog.

    Like

    • dilipnaidu says:

      I am indeed honored for considering to follow and for appreciation of the young man’s courage. Blogging for me is a great learning experience and making friends.

      Wish you a lovely 2014 🙂

      Like

  6. Hummingwords says:

    lovely and very inspiring…such pple become a motivation for rest of the nation 🙂

    Like

  7. suhas says:

    The story is touching. But inspiring and no doubt will go a long way to inspire all the upcoming Captains, Colonels and so on.
    The offr still looks healthy and normal inspite of the ordeal he and his men have gone through.
    This is Indian Army.

    Like

  8. Lala Rukh says:

    The story is heart touching Dilip and I love the quote at the beginning…. Your writing is so inspiring !

    Like

  9. He is a man worthy of all army salutes and those of the Indian people. Courageous and down-to-earth.
    Thanks for sharing Dilip.

    Vijay
    – HlafEatenMind

    Like

  10. D.A. Lavoie says:

    All is very inspiring my friend. We must always believe in ourselves…the hardest part of it is to really put it in practice every day of our lives. Somehow for stupid reasons sometimes, the society seems to tell us to only follow the current they follow themselves…but we must put our faith in God and in us and go the way we want to go. Thank you for this post, see you soon. Delvi.

    Like

  11. Ajaytao2010 says:

    I Nominate you for A Christmas Bouquet – Awards – Ajaytao – 48 Nominations
    please choose any 3 awards out of the 48
    accept it and oblige

    there are no linkbacks for this award

    http://ajaytao2010.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/christmas-bouquet-awards-ajaytao-48-nominations/

    Like

  12. Ajaytao2010 says:

    Thanks you dear 🙂

    Like

  13. Rahul yadav says:

    Indian army is best in the world because of people like col mehta. Despite of amputation, he never never never gave up. He is perfect example of liviliness. He is real john cena of india and one more thing bhism pitamah of modern india.

    Like

  14. Rahul yadav says:

    Hi sir, firstly congratulations for ur promotion. Secondly its unbelievable u do 200 sits ups and 200 push ups in one go. Sir yaha par toh 20 push ups bhi dhang sae nahi hote hai. And u sir do 200 push ups with one hand. Sir aap toh desh ki aan shaan ho. Yes one more thing, sir, u r the inspiration to others. Wah sir maza aa gya aap ko dekh kar. Dogra regt ki jai ho

    Like

    • Rajesh Mehta says:

      Thanks a ton Rahul for your compliments, I wholeheartedly appreciate it and wish you all the very best in all your future endeavours.

      Like

  15. Rupesh says:

    My tribute to the exemplary courage of Capt. Mehta. Thanks for sharing this Dilip.

    Like

  16. vineet singh says:

    Bhaiya you are a true inspiration to all of us in the family. We are very proud of you. Congrats on your promotion!!! Wish u all the best and happiness in life.

    Like

    • Rajesh Mehta says:

      Thank you so much brother for your kind words, being so supportive & always there with me & my family. Wish you all the very best.

      Like

  17. An amazing story. And congratulations to LC Rajesh on the promotion – courage recognised!

    Thanks for sharing, Dilip.

    Like

  18. Inspiring! Take care, and thank-you for sharing this story with us.

    Like

  19. VEDANT says:

    Dear Sir

    Thanks for the honor but pls don’t call me sir. I am junior of you. You are perfect example of determination, courage, patrotism and strong will. You are living inspiration for the youth.

    Best Wishes
    Salute

    Vedant

    Like

    • Rajesh Mehta says:

      Thanx a ton Vedant once again for the compliments. Buddy, I appreciate from the core of my heart. Best Wishes n Regards, Rajesh

      Like

  20. Gator Woman says:

    What a beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it~

    Like

  21. Eric Alagan says:

    An inspiring story of a redoubtable warrior.

    All good wishes to Rajesh and his loved ones,
    Eric

    Like

  22. Binky says:

    That’s a very inspiring story. Many in that situation would probably have given up, or would have been content to be bedridden for the rest of their lives. Lt. Col Rajesh deserves much praise for what he accomplished and what he had to go through, and I certainly wish him the best in the future.

    Like

  23. Tina Schell says:

    What an amazing story Dilip. Thanks so much for sharing it.

    Like

  24. Subhash says:

    Hi Dilip, I appreciate your note inviting me to read this inspirational story. It is heartening to see that despite severe physical limitations, Rajesh has been able to regain good health with yogic practices. It is truly inspiring to see that he was able to get off of medication after practicing pranayama on a regular basis. As a yoga instructor, I would love to share this story with my students through my newsletter.

    Like

    • dilipnaidu says:

      Dear Subhash appreciation coming from a highly experienced Yoga teacher is a fitting tribute and encouragement for this young man.

      Its also a beautiful gesture on your part to share this inspirational story with your students in the US.

      With warm regards and cheer 🙂

      Like

    • Rajesh Mehta says:

      Thank you Subhash Sir for your kind words. Its my pleasure to have received comments from a Yoga instructor. Regards, Rajesh.

      Like

  25. Hope says:

    Reblogged this on Till 30 n Beyond and commented:
    Wow! Inspirational and also a knock-on-your-face. Yoga can actually heal the unheal-able.

    Like

  26. shreejacob says:

    Thank you for sharing! Awesome story !
    I’ve heard of Pranayama yoga and this is making me seriously think of doing some form of it too!

    Wishing Lt. Col Rajesh and his family amazing abundance and joy in their life 🙂

    Like

  27. Reblogged this on Proactive Indian and commented:
    The very first blog post I read today moved me so much that I decided immediately to reblog it.

    So, here’s the true story of a real-life hero, Lt. Col. Rajesh Mehta, as told by Dilip Naidu.

    I humbly wish Lt. Col Rajesh Mehta and his family good luck and plenty of happiness. May they continue to inspire us!

    Like

  28. seeker says:

    With God on his side, everything is possible. Best wishes and thank you for sharing the story.

    Like

  29. A truly inspiring story! Thank you for sharing it.
    I humbly join you in wishing Lt. Col Rajesh and his family good luck and plenty of happiness. May they continue to inspire us!
    I would like to reblog this post. Please confirm this is OK with you.
    Incidentally, the TOI report mentions his name as Rakesh. You’ve mentioned it as Rajesh. I tried checking on Google, but couldn’t succeed. Please clarify.

    Like

    • dilipnaidu says:

      Oh yes please go-ahead. Rajesh is correct. Your good wishes for Rajesh and his family is indeed a lovely gesture. Best wishes.

      Like

      • Reblogged this wonderful post on http://proactiveindian.com with a comment:

        “The very first blog post I read today moved me so much that I decided immediately to reblog it.

        So, here’s the true story of a real-life hero, Lt. Col. Rajesh Mehta, as told by Dilip Naidu.

        I humbly wish Lt. Col Rajesh Mehta and his family good luck and plenty of happiness. May they continue to inspire us!”

        Like

  30. Ah, thank you for this wonderful post, Dilip! Indeed, breath IS life and we choose to forget. Our breath is a miracle itself. My warmest wishes to Lt. Col Rajesh for his courageous attitude and to his family. May they always be filled with happiness and good fortune.

    Like

  31. Madhu says:

    A lovely tribute to the courage and strength of this remarkable soldier!! Thank you for sharing Dilip. My best wishes to Lt. Col. Rajesh and his family.

    Like

  32. VEDANT says:

    Dear Sir

    Give my salute to him and many many congratulations for his promotion.

    If a person’s will power strong than he can achieve his goal.

    Regards
    Vedant

    Like

  33. Dilip what a wonderful inspiring story.. I relate so well to using breath to wellness, for me it was Qui Gong exercises with breathing… Which helped me so much with my own Fybromyalgia problems some years ago..

    I send well wishes to Lt. Col Rajesh and his family Many Blessings
    Sue xox

    Like