NATION
Fighter Pilot MP Anil Kumar Teaches Us There Is No Battle the Mind Cannot Win
This is a must read motivational book for everyone- friends with spinal cord injury and their families especially. 'Born to fly' brings to life the story of an exceptional human being, a Fighter Pilot MP Anil Kumar (MP). Air Commodore Nitin Sathe has poured his heart, mind and soul into researching every aspect of MPs life and written this story before and after his motor cycle accident in such an evocative fashion that one can visualize each and every incident unfolding right in front of our eyes. The author and MP trained at National Defence Academy (NDA) though were not friends then. Post MP's accident, the author spent hours with him during his holidays in Pune and bonded closely as friends.
The book traces his life as a child, as a MiG21 pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to a motor cycle accident in 1988 at a young age of 24 years only and becoming a quadriplegic-paralyzed neck down. He created a meaningful second life as a writer, and media commentator. In fact, his first mouth essay 'Airborne to Chairborne' is included in school curricula, encouraging children to face all adversities without losing hope.
As the author states in his profile "MP never got tired despite his disability". His mantra for survival kept him going. His life was about grit, determination and will power of the highest order. His zest for life should be the guiding light for many of his situation and in fact for us all, able and disabled. His never-say-die attitude enabled MP to lead a productive life."
MP died two weeks after celebrating his 50th birthday in style in the ICU because of cancer. Reading his life story taking hairpin twists and turns, with summersaults, we quietly wish that he was still amongst us. A rare human being full of positive energy and optimism.
Nitin Sathe has served the spinal cord community immensely by devoting an entire chapter titled 'Quadriplegia'. I urge that this book be included in the medical and para-medical curriculum. As our medical text books hardly educate the future medical fraternity about spinal cord injury and the art and science of rehabilitation. In India the situation is quite primitive and even in cities like Mumbai, patients die due to bed sores, urine infection and depression. MP was fortunate to be rehabilitated at PRC, Kirkee, Pune. The plight of the civilians in India is pathetic with only two world class spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities. If complications don't kill a spinal cord injured, lack of finance does!
Role of professional counselling, love and care is highlighted rightfully. 'Sarah', a sweet nurse, who went beyond her call of duty, like a magician put a smile and spark of life back into MP. They became close and love blossomed, spending her duty and off duty hours sharing and conversing. She chatted, spoke, loved and cared. This gave MP the mantra to live moment to moment. He realized mind-control, was the key to survival.
Another lady 'Josie' suggested Anil start writing with his mouth. This started his journey as a writer par excellence.
I had been fortunate to see and meet MP, just a year post my paragliding accident and spinal cord injury in 1996, when Dr VC Jacob (my physiotherapist) and my late sister Dr Nina took me to PRC, Pune. Whoever reads this wonderful book would say, "I wish I had seen him alive." Well I was fortunate to meet him!!
His photographs, his hand and mouth written letters, and his newspaper articles included in the book add a visual dimension to MP's life. This is a special charm of this book.
I recommend this book be translated in several Indian languages and circulated widely in schools, colleges, companies as it will give a booster dose of inspiration to all.
Author: Nitin Sathe
Publisher: Vitasta Publishing Pvt Ltd
Hard bound Price: Rs279
Available on Amazon
(Dr Ketna L Mehta is Founder Trustee of Nina Foundation that serves in the rehabilitation of economically and socially disadvantaged friends with spinal cord injuries. Email- ninafoundation@gmail.com, www.ninafoundation.org)
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