The citizens of Mumbai were treated to an inspiring display of courage and fortitude when the physically challenged took part in the Standard Chartered Mumbai marathon. Despite their physical constraints, participants belonging to the Champions with Disability (CWD) category took to the streets with gusto on Sunday. While all the participants completed the 2.4-km race, their independence and determination inspired several citizens to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Take, for instance, eight members of the Paraplegic Rehab Centre in Pune, who are former personnel of the Indian defence forces. These people were brave enough to resume with their active lives despite being left wheelchair bound while protecting the nation. One such individual, Nirvasdur Bahadur Burumg (58), says that though he sustained spinal cord injuries in 1983 that left him confined to a wheelchair, it didn’t deter him from winning several medals in discus throw and shot put between 2002 and 2006 in the Paralympics.