In an extraordinary display of resilience, Brigadier NS Chaarag, who faced a life-altering hit-and-run accident in August 2020, has triumphantly led a 13-member National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingent on a challenging 3,600km cycling expedition from Kanyakumari to New Delhi. The journey, undertaken less than three-and-a-half years after being told he might never cycle again, marks a remarkable personal victory for the Brigadier.
The hit-and-run incident in Ranchi on August 1, 2020, left Brigadier Chaarag with fractured legs, ruptured intestines, and multiple injuries in the pelvis. Doctors at the Command Hospital in Lucknow, where he was airlifted for treatment, delivered a disheartening prognosis, informing him that cycling might no longer be a possibility. However, the Brigadier, now commanding the Baroda NCC Group Headquarters, defied the odds and made an astonishing comeback.
Recalling the accident, Brigadier Chaarag said, “A speeding truck hit me from the rear and fled. Since I was wearing a helmet, I did not suffer head injuries. But I was lying motionless on the road for over half an hour. Passersby did not help me initially. After some time, local police rushed me to the cantonment hospital in their jeep. Doctors advised multiple surgeries, but they did not have the inventory.”
Determined to reclaim his passion for cycling, Brigadier Chaarag worked tirelessly through months of recovery. He expressed, “Self-confidence played a major role in my recovery as I could resume cycling within a year. It was a personal victory and a moment I will cherish forever as I could surpass all odds and hurdles.”
Taking charge of the NCC directorate’s cycle expedition, Brigadier Chaarag led the cadets on a challenging journey that commenced in Kanyakumari on December 8. Battling diverse terrains and weather conditions, the contingent pedaled through 18,000 meters of elevation over 33 riding days, ultimately reaching New Delhi on January 23.
Margi Parghi, a second-year physical education student who participated in the expedition, expressed pride in her accomplishment. “I am proud of my achievement as I have never before cycled for such a long period continuously. It was a historic journey for all of us,” she said.
Brigadier Chaarag’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and self-confidence, showcasing that resilience can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
