What makes life meaningful? Well, having a purpose to live without regretting actions of the past or delving into what lies ahead in an unpredictable future. Many who swore by this mantra have gone on to overcome challenges that came their way and inspire millions of people. Earlier this year, Lucknow-born Arunima Sinha made headlines when she became the world's first female amputee to scale Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro. The grit and determination with which she overcame her physical limitations is testament to what can be achieved with a sense of purpose. 

Success stories are an inspiration. Often, it takes a special effort to bring forth stories of exceptional people. One such story is that of Padma Shri Murlikant Petkar. The unsung hero's story arrived on the silver screen last week as 'Chandu Champion', starring Kartik Aaryan in the lead. Social media has been abuzz with Kartik Aaryan's transformation and performance on-screen. But Petkar's story has a lot more to say, a lot more to show and a lot more to inspire anyone who thinks life is unfair to them.

The Jawan from Sangli

The true story of Chandu Champion is one of perseverance, commitment, and fortitude. Directed by Kabir Khan, the biographical drama chronicles the story of India's first gold medallist at the Paralympic Games. Petkar was born in Peth Islampur in Maharashtra's Sangli district. He was good at boxing and showed an early interest in athletics. 

When Petkar was young, the villagers were upset with him because he had defeated the village head's son in a competition. After this incident, he fled and joined the Indian Army's Boys Battalion in Pune. Petkar joined as a jawan in the Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps of the Indian Army. He entered the boxing ring for his nation at the 1964 International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo, Japan.

The biggest setback... 

Petkar's life changed forever during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was deployed as a craftsman rank solider in the Kashmir. One afternoon when he was out to have tea, the air raid siren went off. The gunfire from the Pakistani side had already started. While trying to get back to his room, multiple bullets hit Petkar. In the melee, he was also run over by an army vehicle. He survived, but ended up with lifelong disability.

Defying the odds

Petkar was rushed to the naval hospital in Mumbai. There, doctors made a shocking discovery: a bullet was lodged dangerously close to his spine. An operation could have proved fatal for him. As despair loomed, a glimmer of hope emerged when doctors suggested regular swimming as part of his rehabilitation.

The pool became more than a place of recovery -- it became his lifeline. With each stroke, Petkar not only gained physical strength but also a renewed sense of purpose. The water embraced him, offering solace and a pathway to redemption. It was in those solitary laps that Petkar transformed, channeling his pain into determination.

From the depths of uncertainty, emerged a champion in the making. Petkar dove headfirst into becoming a professional swimmer, driven by a newfound resilience that defied the odds.

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Kartik Aaryan from Chandu Champion
Kartik Aaryan from Chandu Champion

Champion!

Petkar participated in the 1968 Summer Paralympics in swimming and table tennis. He was also a superb shot putter, weightlifter, archer, and javelin thrower. As the first Indian to win an individual gold medal, Petkar scripted history at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany. He won the 50-meter freestyle swimming event and set a record with a timing of 37.33 seconds. Twelve gold medals from international competitions, 34 from national competitions, and 40 from state competitions form Petkar's medal tally.

Petkar started working at TELCO, now known as Tata Motors, in 1972. He worked as a senior assistant in the public relations department. In 2018, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour in the country. He currently resides in Pune.

[Compiled by Abhay Santhakumar from Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous (Bengaluru)]