Padma Shri Murlikant Petkar Celebrated at 81st EME Corps Day: A Journey from Battlefield to Paralympic Podium
Pune, 15th October 2023: The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) celebrated their 81st Corps Day, recognizing more than just technical milestones. Among those honored was Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, a retired craftsman and the first Indian to win a Paralympic Gold Medal.
From Soldier to Sporting Icon
Petkar’s life is a saga of tenacity and unbreakable will. Raised in rural Maharashtra, he initially gained recognition as a wrestler before joining the Indian Army as a boxer. He sustained severe bullet injuries during the 1965 Indo-Pak War but defied the odds to clinch a gold medal in swimming at the 1972 Summer Paralympics.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Beyond his Paralympic feat, Petkar’s contribution to sports is monumental: 12 international gold medals, 34 national golds, and a remarkable 40 golds at the state level. Acknowledging his achievements, he was conferred with the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018 and had previously received the ‘Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award.’ His inspiring life journey is soon to be portrayed in an upcoming feature film, “Chandu Champion,” featuring actor Kartik Aaryan.
A Hero’s Salute
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal, presided over the event. Paying a heartfelt tribute, he stated, “We’re honored to share the stage with a colossal figure like Shri Petkar, whose life symbolizes unyielding dedication, resilience, and determination.”
The commemoration concluded with Petkar himself sharing stirring narratives of his battles, both on the frontlines and in sports arenas. The 81st EME Corps Day not only celebrated technological feats but also paid homage to real-life heroes who have made invaluable contributions to the nation.
