You have to dream before your dreams come true. These words of former president of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, pushed Gujarat shuttler Parul Parmar to achieve her goal.
You have to dream before your dreams come true. These words of former president of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, pushed Gujarat shuttler Parul Parmar to achieve her goal. She has been named among 15 sportspersons who will receive the prestigious Arjuna Award this year.
This is proud and historic moment for this badminton player from Gandhinagar, who has been selected in the disabled category. The polio-affected Parmar will be the first player from the state to receive the award in the last 11 years.
Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, was the last recipient of the award, way back in 1998. Since the Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961, only 12 sportspersons from Gujarat have made it to the illustrious list.
When asked about her inspiration, Parmar termed Dr Kalam’s motivational speech — think high, dream high — as the reason for the success. “I admire Dr Kalam. He has been an inspiration to me,” she said.
Parmar’s family has been another pillar of support on the way to success. “Whenever I felt low or depressed, they pushed me. I give them equal credit in my triumphs,” said the shuttler, who works in the postal department.
When Parmar first heard the news, she could not believe it. “It is a great feeling. A dream has come true. My hard work has finally been recognised, and I feel very satisfied today,” said Parmar, who has been waiting for the last three years.
Her desperation can be justified by the fact that she has performed consistently on the international circuit. She has 11 gold medals to her name, and was also crowned singles and doubles champion at the world championships in Thailand in 2007 and the Asian championships in Bangalore in 2008.
Parmar will receive the award, alongside 14 other sportspersons, from the president of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 29. And the shuttler can barely wait for the glorious moment. “I cannot wait another day. I want it to arrive quickly,” she said.
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