The para-athlete’s address was replete with examples and anecdotes about her life
Bhavina Patel
This paper featured an uplifting report about a Paralympic table tennis silver medallist Bhavina Patel. This wheelchair-bound para-athlete, who is a Central government employee working in Ahmedabad, won a silver medal in women’s table tennis at the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020. She was in Mumbai to deliver a motivational speech to schoolgirls. The invite came via an organisation that encourages and empowers girls through sport.
The para-athlete’s address was replete with examples and anecdotes about her life. From being afflicted with polio as a one-year-old to the taunts she faced on her life’s journey, it was a moving story about fighting setbacks and depression with courage and most of all, unwavering self-belief.
There were so many takeaways from that speech but one standout statement that Patel made was about the dangers of superstition and blind belief. After she was afflicted with polio at one, she was born in a small place in Gujarat, her parents were discouraged from seeking treatment for their daughter. In fact, a family member stopped them, quoting superstition. Her polio progressed till the time she was confined to
a wheelchair.
Always seek a scientific solution or explanation, rather than superstition. While faith in the divine, taking succour in worship is one thing, it is important that in medical cases, doctors know best.
Doctors have cried themselves hoarse about the dangers of superstition, which stops medical treatment or care. During the COVID pandemic, they repeatedly told people to go the scientific route rather than try false ‘cures’ and arrive at medical centres when it was too late for the patient.
Do not cave in to pressure and inane beliefs. In the end, it is science that is our logical saviour and must triumph over superstition.
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