When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. So is the case with SHATABDI AWASTHI.
It was an unfortunate day when her dreams shattered. She was preparing for army and wanted to serve the country but life took a different turn and she met with a tragic accident. For Shatabdi Awasthi, however, her journey has been defined by overcoming numerous obstacles with unwavering courage and determination.
Her world collapsed in 2006 when she fell from the terrace and broke her spine. Shatabdi Avasthi was 21 then. “I remember nothing of how I fell,” she said. Twelve years down the line she is an epitome of Resilience, Patience, Commitment. Her will power and spirit to rise and bring glory to the nation has made her a Personality many look up to.
She turned the irreparable damage and crisis that fell upon her into an opportunity to defeat her fears, setbacks and obstacles. She made sports her Mission. She always wanted to serve the nation by being part of the armed forces but when destiny snatched that opportunity she changed her direction not vision. She chose sports as a way to contribute to name and glory of the country. Whenever she reflects on her past even as she looks ahead with optimism. She believes, “It’s important to stay persistent and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come after the hardest struggles.”
Employed with State Bank of India in Jaipur, Shatabdi bristles with confidence with the smile on her face reflecting her character. Shot put was the discipline her coach Mahaveer Prasad Saini advised. She has a few national titles and some international — silver at World Para Athletic Grand Prix last year and a bronze in the same competition this year.
A resident of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Shatabdi grew up with dreams of joining the armed forces. However, life had different plans for her. She met with an accident, which took away her mobility from the waist below.
After being on the bed for more than ten years, taking up sports was nothing short of a challenge. In the very first state-level tournament that she participated in, she won three gold medals. That was just the beginning for this amazing lady.
It is often said that dreams seen with open eyes keep you awake and, with relentless hard work, eventually come true. Such is the story of Shatabdi Awasthi from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Today, Shatabdi Awasthi stands as a living example of this truth.
SHATABDI AWASTHI: A BEACON OF RESILIENCE AND INSPIRATION
In the face of overwhelming adversity, Shatabdi Awasthi stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Her journey from a tragic accident to becoming a celebrated athlete and activist exemplifies perseverance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. The dreams she once cherished of serving her country in the army seemed to crumble in an instant. Yet, despite the immense physical and emotional hurdles, Shatabdi’s determination and resilience only grew stronger. Her journey exemplifies the remarkable power of perseverance and an indomitable spirit, proving that even in the face of adversity, true strength lies in moving forward with unwavering resolve.
A TRAILBLAZER IN PARA-ATHLETICS AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
Shatabdi’s path to becoming a renowned para-athlete began with her participation in various sports events. Her list of achievements is nothing short of remarkable:
- 2016: Gold medals in Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin at the 7th State Level Para Athletic Championship.
- 2017: Silver medal in Shot Put at the 9th Fazaa International World Para Athletic Grand Prix in Dubai, and Gold in Javelin at the 17th National Para Athletic Championship in Jaipur.
- 2018: Gold medal in Shot Put at the First India Open Athletic Championship in Bangalore, and participation in the Asian Para Games in Jakarta.
- 2019: Gold medals in Javelin and Shot Put at the World Para Athletic Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland, and a Bronze in Shot Put at the Grand Prix in Grosseto, Italy.
Shatabdi is not just a national icon but also the first female para-athlete from Rajasthan to win medals at international tournaments and the only female athlete from the state to participate in the World Championship.
Her achievements extend beyond the athletic arena. Shatabdi’s remarkable resilience and positive spirit are reflected in her broader contributions:
- Kaun Banega Crorepati: She won Rs 50,00,000, becoming the highest amount-winning female in Rajasthan to date.
- Social Activism: She has been actively involved in tree plantation drives, campaigns for water pots for birds, and received the Corona Warrior Award for her humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Community Service: Her initiatives include distributing blankets to those in need during winters and being appointed as the State Icon/Ambassador for Rajasthan by the Rajasthan State Election Commission.
Shatabdi Awasthi’s story is one of relentless determination and profound impact. Her life demonstrates that despite the toughest of circumstances, perseverance, and a commitment to one’s goals can lead to extraordinary achievements. She remains a beacon of inspiration, showing us all that with resilience and a positive mindset, we can overcome challenges and inspire change.
Shatabdi Awasthi told the story of her struggling days to all the players in the Para Athletics Competition held in Alwar, Rajasthan a few days ago. Shatabdi Awasthi told that she is a resident of Sawai Madhopur district and she started her sports career in the year 2016. She told that in the year 2006 she fell from the roof, due to which her legs got seriously injured and she had to sit on a wheelchair to earn a living.
RESILIENCE IS KEY TO SUCCESS
Shatabdi at one point had given her the most difficult setback. She had almost given up, but her dream to do something for the nation gave her a MISSION, A VISION and FIRE to bounce back. She decided to accept the life as it is and find an opportunity in this as well. Despite her job, she makes sure to practice for her Sports, exercise, hit the gym and meditate.
In life, many people succumb to despair when faced with challenges, letting their hopes, dreams, and aspirations falter at the first sign of adversity. Shatabdi Awasthi, however, embodies a different narrative. Despite the severe setbacks she encountered, including a devastating accident that shattered her initial dreams, Shatabdi refused to succumb to victimhood.
Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, Shatabdi chose to confront her challenges head-on with unwavering determination and optimism. The accident that left her with a broken spine in 2006 could have been a turning point where she lost hope. Instead, it became a catalyst for her transformation. She didn’t let the tragedy define her future; instead, she reinvented herself, focusing on ways to enhance her life and bring beauty to it.
Shatabdi’s courage and relentless spirit have not only been a source of inspiration for those around her but have also brought a renewed sense of joy and hope to her family. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, no matter how difficult the situation.
Through her actions, Shatabdi has demonstrated that true strength lies in the ability to overcome adversity without surrendering to a victim mentality. Her story teaches us the art of gratitude and the value of perseverance. It reminds us that even in the face of profound challenges, we have the power to reshape our lives and inspire others to do the same.
