The purpose of presenting 'Narratives Of Courage – Lives Of Spinal Cord Injury Survivors In India' is to reveal an important stark gap in unserved healthcare, and medical rehabilitation. We should not forget that every human life is a human life. A poor, rural Indian citizen who has met with a road accident or has had an unfortunate fall, suffering the most devastating, permanent, life-long, incurable spinal cord injury, deserves to live a dignified life, fulfil their dreams, to take life decisions, continue their education in schools or colleges, earn a decent livelihood, raise a family, travel and experience life in its various hues. Alas, this lacuna still needs to be filled.

However, despite the tales of injury and struggle, this book is in no way bleak. It's a motivational and inspirational book about 25 spinal cord injury survivors in India. It will make you realise that our friends with spinal cord injury have meagre resources, live in dilapidated huts, with more than 60% of their limbs and organs non-functional, suffer from a lack of sensation, relationship woes, financial troubles, lack of food, mobility issues and the usual rural problems of poor mobile network, intermittent electricity, scarce drinking water and access to nutritional food or fruits. Yet they wake up every day with a broad smile and hope in their hearts, striving to fight and improve their life, without lofty expectations.

Our friends are happy, happy to be alive despite all their limitations and innumerable problems. Who knows, reading this book may change the way you think and make you realise how blessed you are!

When we experienced our personal spinal cord injuries that resulted in permanent disability, we too were clueless about what shape our lives would take. We were not aware of how we would live with our disabilities, but now all of us are considered 'Change-Makers' in our own spheres due to our efforts in making society aware of the huge hurdles that people living with spinal cord injury face.

Dear Readers, all of us at Nina Foundation urge each one of you to go through these life stories carefully, empathise with them, educate yourself about spinal cord injury and, in your own way, decide to act and bring about a positive change. For each of us has the power to initiate a positive change. Your smallest act can have a far-reaching ripple effect that will improve the quality of life for over 1.5 million people living with spinal cord injuries.

We express our gratitude to our Nina Foundation team, circle of family, friends, associates, corporates, institutions, students, children, volunteers, media, neighbours, sponsors, who willingly shared their emotions and thoughts through their wonderful quotes – 'They Said It' – about Nina Foundation. Their consistent support and kindness has enabled us to do what would have been considered impossible!

Thank you indeed for walking with us on this adventurous, tumultuous journey and spreading sunshine.

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