Revisiting the best moments of the Tokyo Paralympics, Femina brings to fore the inspiring journeys of the Paralympians who made the country proud
New Delhi, November 21, 2021: Inspirational and unstoppable. These are just two of the many powerful words that describe the performance of our para-athletes at the recently concluded Tokyo Paralympics. These athletes surely had the country stand up and take notice with 19 of the 54 participants bringing home medals. Femina’s 62nd anniversary issue, themed ‘Light’, presents the inspiring journeys of four Paralympians – from overcoming some of the toughest challenges life threw at them to bringing glory to the country.
Featured in this issue are:
1. Bhavina Patel – Table tennis player from Mehsana, Gujarat.
2. Avani Lekhara –Rifle shooter, first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal.
3. Pramod Bhagat – Badminton player, world No. 1 in the SL3 category.
4. Suhas Lalinkere Yathiraj – Badminton player, first Indian bureaucrat to represent India at the Paralympics.
At the launch of the November issue, Deepak Lamba, CEO – Worldwide Media, said, “India’s performance at the Tokyo Paralympics was historic, to say the least. An unparalleled achievement like this deserves a powerful story, and a story that needs to be told again and again. Femina’s anniversary issue salutes our para-athletes and ensures the stories of their grit and determination reach and inspire millions of others.”
Ambika Muttoo, Editor-in-Chief – Femina, said, “The process of researching for, conducting the interviews and writing these stories in itself was quite an emotional experience for us. We hope this story helps create a movement – one that encourages people to break out of the ordinary and realise their true abilities.”
A Smashing Success: Bhavina Patel
From being affected by polio at 12 months to becoming the first Indian ever to win a table tennis medal at the Paralympics, paddler Bhavina Patel has come a long way. She speaks about her journey and her goal in the future.
Shooting Star: Avani Lekhara
India’s golden girl of the Tokyo Paralympics, Avani Lekhara, won two medals in rifle shooting. Her mantra is that regardless of how tough a situation could be, there will come a time when everything will be alright. She often says, “Ek din sab theek ho jayega,” and just goes with the flow. She talks about her journey, her best moments and much more.
Playing To Win: Pramod Bhagat
Undeterred by his polio-affected left leg, ace para-shuttler Pramod Bhagat won gold for the country at the Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. He talks of his dreams, work and beliefs.
Officially A Winner: Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj
Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj has played badminton since childhood. The tremendous potential of the IAS officer was discovered at an event where he was invited as a guest. The winner of a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics talks of how he became the first-ever IAS officer to script history.
Femina’s anniversary issue has ‘Light’ as its binding theme, and features various authors writing short open-ended pieces on their interpretation of light in the form of fiction, a personal essay, thoughts etc.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
