He lost both his legs, but he is stubborn: Nagesh Kale has become an idol for many

Mehab Qureshi

Chikhali, June 24, 2020: “Someone pushed me from behind while getting off the train. I fell between the platform and the train, and lost both of my legs,” said Nagesh Gulabrao Kale. This incident happened back in 2013.

The lockdown, which has been in force since March, has closed several businesses across the state. Millions of people have been directly affected. Many lost their jobs, while others chose to return to their hometowns.

However, Nagesh Kale, who had lost both his legs in an accident in Pimpri-Chinchwad seven years ago, has appealed to the people to stay strong and not take extreme measures in distress. Kale, who drives a rickshaw to support his family, is himself undergoing a financial crisis due to lockdown.

“Seven years ago, when I lost both of my legs, I was disheartened. I even thought of ending my life. Although my family supported me, that wasn’t enough. I was relying upon them for necessities, but I decided to at least give a try before I give up. So, I started driving an auto-rickshaw with the help of my friend. Surprisingly, I could drive without any discomfort.”

Nagesh further said, “I have been driving a rickshaw for the last 10 years. I had never seen an epidemic like this one. But, this too shall pass. The crisis has not just come to us alone. It has come to all. I’ve started driving the rickshaw again with the same vigour. There are still difficulties in the rickshaw business. The business is not the same as before.”

He added, “Now I hardly manage to earn Rs 200-300 daily. My current situation is horrible, but this does not break my spirit. Most certainly, suicide isn’t an option. We are born only once, and even though the situation is tough, I will not give up.”