Mumbai based Lt Col Dharamdatt Goel turns adversity into inspiration after losing leg in Kashmir

Lt Col Goel seen paragliding. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Once a professor at Juhu's SNDT, Mumbai's DD Goel never imagined that life in the army lay ahead. Now an ambassador to the current chapter of ‘Soldierathon' in Pune (November 15), where civilians are invited to run with soldiers serving the country to get to know them better, Lt Col Goel feels that despite India's huge defence budget of - nearly 13 per cent - most civilians still experience a disconnect with army life. "We hope to bridge that gap so people better understand the services and their opportunities," Goel told mid-day.

[popcorn number="2022" desc="Year Lt Col Dharamdatt Goel retired from the armed forces" class="Default"]

First steps…

Goel initially remained distanced from the armed services. "A friend told me there was an opening that would be right for me. I was averse, but went along just so I could see the cantonment from inside," he said. Before he knew it, he cracked the interview, cleared SSBs, became part of the Sikh Regiment, and was posted in Kashmir for his mission, all at the age of 26.

Revisit to Kashmir

In 2022, after Goel was called to Kashmir again on a mission, he visited the same base camp and saw his life come full circle. "Only then did I visualise what must have happened to me and how my comrades rescued me that day," he said. That year, Lt Col Dharamdatt Goel retired from the armed forces.

No barrier too high

Despite facing plenty of hurdles during his recovery, Goel was set on leading life on his own terms. "I was very reckless and spirited during my youth. I once even quit education to work at a dhaba. I thought if I could be so willed back then, why couldn't I live on my own terms now," he said. Now, Goel has made it to the World Book of Records as the first Indian to ski on a prosthetic leg, while he has also been paragliding, skydiving, running marathons, riding his motorbike, and learning how to dance.

Bridging gaps

At 50, Goel is now a motivational speaker, author, and a proud sportsman. "We bear in mind the sacrifices army men have made for our country and we hope to walk with our city folks and share the sentiment with them, bridging all gaps," he said.

LOC anti-terror op

‘Within a fraction…' Lt Col Dharamdatt Goel

‘I spotted a few candy wrappers and was certain about the infiltration activity, but was unable to get the proper coordinates for our location. I decided to venture ahead all alone to get a clearer reading. Nearly 400 metres beyond the LoC, I saw a pit with ashes, and I treaded close to inspect it, but before I knew it there was a loud blast. It all happened within a fraction of a second. I looked behind and asked my troops to take guard, but they all remained still and looked aghast at me. The blast had come from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) I stepped on, where I lost my leg.'

Looking for infiltrators

Nearly five months into his service, Goel ventured close to the Line of Control (LoC) at an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet. The troops were tasked with looking for possible infiltrators and ascertaining a location for setting up an army base.

Decision to continue

Owing to poor weather conditions, Goel was evacuated only after 23 hours. Despite an amputated leg, Goel chose not to retire from the army and continued as a trainer and an instructor for 20 years.