From “Mental” Label to Paralympic Glory: Deepthi Jeevanji’s Journey
Image Source: India Today
Little “Monkey” was branded “Mental” and teased by kids in a far-off Indian hamlet. Deepthi Jeevanji, that little one, now stands on the threshold of becoming a paralympian. Deepthi, who has an intellectual impairment, faced struggles that were too hard for most people in her village to understand. The condition took away her motor abilities and left her fighting to perform everyday tasks. In a stigmatized society, her illness made her the object of ridicule. Adults spoke behind her back, sharing tales of a girl who would never have much to her name, and children on the street mimicked her steps, referring to her with unkind nicknames.
Life for Deepthi was one continuous fight against the heartless people around her and against herself. However, Deepthi never let the verdicts of others define her. She remained undaunted and determined. Sports gave her a platform where she could challenge herself and prove her strength, even as a little girl. Her parents were initially hesitant but later supported her ambitions. Her anxious urge to break free from the shackles of public discrimination was evident to all.
Deepthi began competing in para-athletics, and as the years passed, her skills developed. She moved from state to national-level competitions after rigorous training and often defeated competitors with more physical strength. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, and national coaches recognized her potential for international success.
But en route to the Paralympics, there were many challenges. Amidst limited resources, her aspirations seemed doomed by financial limitations and lingering stigma against people with disabilities. Yet each obstacle only kindled more fire in her. Deepthi kept moving forward, with hopes of representing India on the international stage, supported by her family and some dedicated mentors.
In 2024, the inclusion of Deepthi Jeevanji in the Indian Paralympic squad was announced. This moment was not only a triumph for her family but also for all those who followed her amazing journey. The people who once mocked her now idolize her as an inspiration and a source of hope. Her story has come to symbolize the strength of the human spirit—that no ambition is too big for a person who has self-belief and perseverance.
It serves as a lesson that greatness can come from the unlikeliest of places, as Deepthi prepares to take on the biggest stage of all. Deepthi Jeevanji stands as proof that nothing is impossible to overcome and everything is achievable. She has gone from being called “monkey” and “mental” to becoming a national icon.
Team Profile
- Namrata Boruah, currently based in New Delhi, is an aspiring journalist with a keen interest in uncovering inside news and presenting the facts to the public. She is determined to build a career in journalism, driven by a passion for truth and transparency.
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