Bedridden but not broken, teacher redefines courage

Over two decades ago, Sanjay Bahuguna was set for a bright future. His father had a government job and money was never plentiful, but he was committed to educating himself and riding the wave of liberalisation and prosperity in India. After graduating from the esteemed Banaras Hindu University, he had even joined his first job. Fate, however, had a different plan for him. Soon after joining work, he suffered a paralytic attack. A series of medical interventions over the next year proved ineffectual, and at a young age of 23, Sanjay found himself paraplegic and bedridden.

It was a huge catastrophe for the tight-knit family. Sanjay had to quit his job. The family lived in a small Paschim Vihar apartment on the third floor, and his medical appointments became a big logistical problem. When the doctors said there was nothing else they could do, the bright young man sunk psychologically.

But soon the braveheart found that his warrior spirit couldn't be broken that easily. After a brief exile from the outside world, Sanjay decided to not let his life go to waste. He had commendable education and a sharp intellect. He started coaching engineering aspirants in his neighbourhood. The word spread and his network of students started growing by the year.

By 2002, Sanjay had moved with his mother and elder sister into a new ground-floor apartment in the same neighbourhood. Now, on an average day, Sanjay teaches 160 students, spread out over 10 different sessions, beginning at 1pm and ending well after midnight. His love of learning is infectious and his students drive him to share his knowledge with more people. "They make me want to live more. It is a daily fight to stay positive for the people I love," says Sanjay.

Most days, Sanjay is full of life. His philosophy includes following self-created values, loving others, and learning to accept death. But then there are days when he finds life grossly unfair and goes into hibernation. Apart from his students, his support network consists of his mother and sister. At 80 years of age, his mother cooks for him, changes his clothes and most importantly, gives him the courage to carry on. His sister helps him manage the students' reports and buys medicines.

Two decades later, Sanjay's students are successful and well-settled. They lovingly term him father, friend and mentor. Some admit that he saved them from their parents' wrath when they didn't score well in exams. For hundreds of his students, he is now family.