The Hand of Gold – An Inspiring Session with Devendra Jhajharia from the Dare to Dream Awards Ceremony

As India continues to rise and establish its leadership on the global stage, the MSME business community has been a key driver of this growth and transformation. The Dare to Dream Awards 2022 recognized and celebrated such MSME champions who with their “digital mindset” have dared to dream big, create good social impact, seize new possibilities, and prepare for the future.

Among key policymakers and thought leaders, the star-studded Dare to Dream Awards ceremony in Mumbai also featured a special session by Devendra Jhajharia, Paralympics Champion, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award for Athletics, who motivated the dignitaries with his inspiring journey.

From how he was mocked while first trying to throw the javelin to following his dream with conviction and courage and reaching the greatest heights as an athlete, Devendra showed exactly how he embodies the true spirit and theme of these awards. In his words, “Mai hamesha ye prayas karta hun, ki me mere desh ke liye, jyada se jyada medal jeet saku, aur iss desh ka maan samman duniya ke sabse upar me le karke jau, meri ye koshish rahti hai.”

Once the object of scoff and pity, Jhajharia spoke about how he reached this pedestal after braving severe hardships, physical, emotional, and financial, and with the support of his loved ones. He went on to compare his journey with that of the SMEs, who also brave numerous obstacles daily to be seen as innovative leaders and trailblazers.

As part of his message to all the SME industrialists and businessmen in the audience, he appreciated them for being the 'real heroes' of the Indian economy. Thanking them for constantly driving employment, growth, and opportunities throughout the nation. He also urged them to move into the rural areas by stating.

Towards the end of his speech, Devendra appealed to the audience to promote and support sports in their own way, saying, "Aap bhi Hindustan ke sports ko acchi tareeke se promote kar sakte ho. Aap jo CSR fund dete hai, usmein ek chotta sa part sports ke liye zaroor rakhein."

For more on this inspiring talk and the complete story of winning two golds with one arm and a whole lot of determination, please go through the video segment from the Dare to Dream Awards Ceremony.