Keeping the light of hope from Fading; Gaurav Gadodia

For some people challenges and adversities are an opportunity to prove themselves and it is under pressure and stress that they come to the fore. For them, pressure is a luxury and to quit is a crime. And excuses and clever pretexts are considered just considered a sign of the weak. Although the people of this breed are rare, definitely Gaurav Gadodia is one of them.

He suffered from macular degeneration (Stargardt's disease) when he was 9 years old, due to which he lost 70% of his sight. He had a normal childhood despite his impairedness. He is a very determined, focused, fun loving, and a happy go lucky person. He had normal and full vision at birth. But at the tender age of 9, he had problems reading & seeing clearly. “At the beginning it was very difficult for me to accept this fact and cope with it, but because of my parents support and constant encouragement I was able to come out of it” expresses Gaurav Gadodia passionately.

This handsome and unassuming star; is humble and confident at same time and loves to play cricket, going out with friends, attending karate camps is currently pursuing his Masters in Law along with being a Practicing Advocate in the High Court. He thinks that reading and computer or being a tech savvy person are his most basic problems he faces day to day. “The One way to come up in life is through acquiring knowledge, but till today knowledge was limited only to books,” he says dejectedly.

Listening to music, travelling are the other interests of Gaurav, who is also a black belt holder in martial arts. He is very inquisitive to know the things that are new and ground breaking and is an information and knowledge freak with an undying passion to learn, grow and progress in whatever he does. And it seems like his curiosity, fighting spirit and a competitive streak in him that led him to choose Chess as his passion. “Now what fascinates me about chess is that so many secrets lie beneath the 64 squares. It seems as if the board is my battlefield and the pieces are my troupe. The sheer nature, wholesomeness, quality to foresee and the ability to strategize, attract me the most to chess,” he retorts enthusiastically.

Enthusiastic and passionate Gaurav joined All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) in the year 1998 and with the help of Mr. Charudatt Jadhav (Hon. Secretary of the organisation); since then he has major steps forward in the world of chess. He has also coached b from Mr. Raghunanthan Gokhale, the only Donacharia Awardee for chess, which helped him to improve on the Excellency of his game. Over the years, he has been practicing for chess 3 to 4 hours everyday and has been playing a lot of tournaments and won many fame and accolades for himself and the country.

“One of the most memorable moment of my life is when my name entered the Limca book of Records being the First Indian to represent India in Under-21 World Championship for the Blind and securing the Second position in the Under-18 category in the World Junior Chess Championship for the Blind held in Belgium 1999,” says Gaurav proudly, who was also the first person to be awarded top honours in the Asian Chess Championship for the Blind in which various players from 13 countries participated.

He also shares a very special bond with his sister Neha, who has been a constant supporter and a pillar of strength to Gaurav through all his highs and low. Gaurav reserves special mention for Neha and acknowledges the special contribution that she has made in his life.

He's a living testimony to the power of the human spirit and what sheer persistence and passion can achieve. His example proves what positive reinforcement and the hunger to overcome all hurdles and challenges can result in.

One question that this throws up is, had he not been impaired would we been different? Not at all!

Here is a person that we can learn form and hopefully emulate. Just imagine if this person had what we just take for granted everyday, where it could have taken him. It's time for us lo look with us and start exploring and realizing the possibilities that lies within us and what better role model than Gaurav Gadodia, whose retinal light might have faded but the light of hope fired by his steely resolve and unparalleled dedication still rages on!!! Here is a hero, who believes in action rather than words.