New Delhi: In a moment that defines courage and determination, President Droupadi Murmu honored Lt Col C Dwarakesh with the National Award for Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday. The 36-year-old Army officer has created history as India’s first totally blind officer to continue active military service.
Lt Col Dwarakesh: The Life-Changing Accident of 2014
Lt Col Dwarakesh’s life changed forever during a basketball match at a military station in 2014. An accident left him completely blind. He spent the next eight months in hospital, healing physically while his mind searched for new possibilities.
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Most people would have considered retirement. But Lt Col Dwarakesh saw this as a challenge, not an ending.
Breaking Barriers in the Indian Armed Forces
Lt Col Dwarakesh holds a unique position in Indian military history. He is the first officer of the Indian armed forces to continue in active service despite total blindness.
“As an Army officer, I was trained to have conviction, courage, willpower and tenacity. But blindness is an impediment I couldn’t have prepared for,” Lt Col Dwarakesh shared.
The officer refused to let his disability define his limits. With no precedent to follow, he created his own path.
Academic Excellence Despite Visual Impairment
After losing his eyesight, Lt Col Dwarakesh tackled academics and technology head-on. He cleared multiple competitive exams, showing that determination knows no physical boundaries.
The officer from Tamil Nadu has also qualified for the UGC NET exam. This makes him one of the few visually impaired academicians in management, human resources, labor law, and sports research.
Lt Col Dwarakesh: World Record in Para Shooting
Lt Col Dwarakesh discovered para sports, especially swimming and shooting. He transformed his disability into power and found new ways to express what those with vision can do.
Major Achievements of Lt Col Dwarakesh
– National champion in swimming and shooting
– Ranked world No. 3 in the 10m air rifle event
– World record score of 624.6 at the Shooting World Cup in UAE (October 2024)
“I now research para sports, especially for people living with blindness. I converted my disability into a power and found ways to express the way those with vision do,” he explained.
Technology and Support Systems
- Supported by AI tools and assistive technology, Dwarakesh performs his military responsibilities with the same skill and precision as his colleagues.
- He trains at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mahu as part of the Indian para shooting team.
- The officer uses advanced technology to overcome daily challenges, proving that modern tools can bridge gaps created by disability.
Presidential Recognition
Receiving the award from President Murmu, Dwarakesh called it a “full-circle moment.”
“I remember being granted commission by the President. And to be receiving an award from the President 16 years later for something that redefined me, that’s quite something,” he said emotionally.
The National Award for Persons with Disabilities recognizes outstanding achievements by individuals who overcome physical challenges to excel in their fields.
Message of Hope and Determination
Lt Col Dwarakesh’s journey sends a powerful message to millions facing disabilities. His story shows that with the right mindset, support systems, and technology, no barrier is too high.
“This mindset has helped me reach new heights,” he stated.
His achievements prove that disability doesn’t mean inability. With courage and modern assistive technology, people with disabilities can serve their nation and break world records.
Impact on Disability Rights in India
Lt Col Dwarakesh’s continued service sets an important precedent for the Indian armed forces. His success demonstrates that persons with disabilities can perform active military duties with proper support and accommodations.
His academic qualifications and sports achievements further break stereotypes about what visually impaired individuals can accomplish.
Future Goals and Aspirations of Lt Col Dwarakesh
The officer continues his research work in para sports, particularly focusing on helping people living with blindness. His goal is to create pathways for others facing similar challenges.
Lt Col Dwarakesh trains regularly, aiming for more international competitions and records. His dedication to both military service and para sports continues to inspire millions across India.
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