19th September, 2022

Author: Preeti Sharma (Content Writer)

He is a car racer, a footballer, an aero model, a swimmer and also a person motivating many of us in everyday life with his achievements; he is Vikram Agnihotri, the man who has proven assumptions to be wrong with his determination.

Vikram Agnihotri story is unique in many ways; he holds several degrees and is currently pursuing his PhD in Disability and Economics. After passing the difficult CAT exam twice, he received a call letter from the IIM Ahmedabad, but was unable to seek admission to the MBA program. He can do anything with his foot, including writing, driving and eating. However, Vikram did not achieve this overnight. Vikram is 52 years and intends everyone to dream big and strive to achieve them. He credits all of his accomplishments to his family, especially to his mother who is the strength pillar in this long ride. “My parents never wept in front of me and always tried to force me to do ' everything that any individual may do”- said Vikram.

According to Vikram, a youngster can adapt to changes fast, whereas an older person becomes rigid, which is why children are very adaptable to new situations. His parents never overprotected him, and as a result, he grew in confidence and learned. Vikram life motto is "does it instead of assuming it." Perception weakens you, so don't perceive anything as Vikram Agnihotri told to The HULAHUL TIMES.

Vikram, was born in Gwalior in 1970, has always been a cheerful baby. In his family father an IPS officer, mother and an elder brother. The family moved to Raigarh when Vikram was 5 years old. Everything else was regular till one evening in June 1977, when Vikram came into contact with high tension wires. A spark occurred within seconds, and his arms were charged with 11,000 volts of current. He was immediately taken to Raigarh Hospital resulting in his hands were amputated. Yet his parents always pushed him. He asserted that he was privileged to have shoulders.

After the accident, his parents were concern about his education part and to initiate his education, she started practicing him to write in cursive writing books with his foot. Although it was a very challenging and frustrating for Vikram as controlling your foot was not an easy thing, he suffered with back pains too; but never gives up. His mother was very patient and soothing factor here and never loses hopes for him. At that time there were no rehabilitation centers in Raigarh, so for the proper treatment his father went on deputation and transferred to CISF Mumbai in 1978 and Vikram was admitted to a hospital and began attending a rehabilitation facility in Hajiali, a neighborhood in South Bombay. Other than education, his parents enrolled him in other activities too. After 6-7 months of his amputation, he learnt swimming in NSCI in Mumbai and along with games includes playing football and skating. Vikram adapted thing very quickly and according to him it was always a motivating factor of his life.

Vikram's parents had always wanted to enroll both Vikram and his older brother Vivek in the same school, but it was difficult because since there was no concept of inclusive education at the time, which was a need for Vikram. But they soon found one school, Hill Grange High School, in which both the brother’s received admission. In the rehabilitation centre, Vikram had the opportunity to meet the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, they had a conversation, and she showed a kind curiosity in Vikram, so she transferred his father to the London High Commission in the Ministry of External Affairs in 1980 for two years. Meantime, his parents discovered that a special healthcare was available in Germany, and he was admitted to an American school there. Due to a double promotion, Vikram finished his schooling at the age of 15.

Driving is always been a fascination for Vikram since childhood; but he had to rely on others to do so. He didn't have a license since then, and because of his amputation, he can only drive automatic cars due to their features. So, if he buys an automatic car and the RTO refuses to issue him license, the car would be useless. So when Maruti launched a low-cost automatic car, his family decided to purchase it. Vikram learned to drive by himself quite shortly, but getting a license was still a challenge. However, looking at his driving skills, he was granted a learner's license, and later after a 15-month struggle and proven driving skills and ability he was granted a permanent license. He also met with Nitin Gadkari, the present Central Cabinet Minister, and requested him to kindly amend some changes to the licensing regulations; In September 2016, Vikram Agnihotri became the first Indian to receive a permanent driving license without hands and with efforts of Vikram the Motor Vehicle Act was changed to enable individuals with disabilities to achieve permanent licenses. This is mentioned in the Limca Book of Records. So far, Vikram has helped 16 disabled people obtain their driver's license. Vikram has received numerous awards from various organizations in recognition of his excellent work ' in leading by example.

In 2017, Vikram has been invited in an FMSCI Malwa Adventure car rally and earned first place in the Car Amateurs category! This is how his career as a car racer began; he also competed in the Desert Storm Motor Rally in 2018 and placed third in the professional category with only his Maruti Celerio!

Vikram believes that achievement should not be underestimated by society's description. Conquering obstacles by believing that there will be no turning back is really what defines a person's accomplishments in life.