Range Hills, 2nd November 2023: A remarkable book titled “Soldiering On,” authored by Ambreen Zaidi, an Army wife and a recipient of the ‘Asmita Puraskar’ from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has been dedicated to the patients of the Spinal Cord Injury Centre (SCIC) at Military Hospital Khadki, Pune. This poignant book sheds light on the extraordinary resilience of India’s disabled soldiers and features the inspiring life journey of Lt Col Chinmaya Prakash, a Medical Officer who is undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for a severe spinal cord injury.
The Spinal Cord Injury Centre at Military Hospital Khadki, as the oldest and largest such center for soldiers with life-changing spinal cord injuries, serves as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the warriors of the Indian Armed Forces. The book, “Soldiering On,” is based on the inspirational stories of heroic comebacks by young Officers and soldiers who have faced devastating injuries that leave them disabled for life.
Ambreen Zaidi, a renowned columnist and author of the well-received book “The Warrior Widows,” embarked on extensive research to capture the life-changing journeys of disabled soldiers. She interacted with the patients at the Spinal Cord Injury Centre and shared candid insights into the profound impact this book may have in raising awareness among the general public and within the ranks of the Armed Forces.
One of the book’s chapters is devoted to Lt Col Chinmaya Prakash, an alumnus of Armed Forces Medical College who sustained a severe spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia, along with permanent respiratory paralysis that necessitated a specialized diaphragmatic pacemaker to maintain his breathing. His inspirational journey following this catastrophic injury is sure to inspire the nation’s young generation.
Brig Tony Jose, Commandant of Military Hospital Khadki, expressed deep gratitude to the patients of SCIC for their contribution to the creation of this book. He also commended Ambreen Zaidi for choosing such a sensitive subject to highlight the remarkable resilience of our disabled soldiers and underscored how both the official system and the nation can make a significant difference in their lives.
