Meet Bapina Nayak, Odisha’s first blind parasailor and mountaineer

Born in the remote village of Bhikaripada under Saranakul police limits in Odisha's Nayagarh district, Bapina Nayak was blind from birth. However, his disability failed to confine him to the four walls of his room.

So, he fought against all odds and today, he is Odisha’s first blind parasailor. Not just parasailor, he is also Odisha’s first mountaineer who climbed 1100ft atop the Chandaka Forest in Bhubaneswar and unfurled the National Flag.

Blind since birth, Bapina had never stepped out of his village. However, he has now created history by parasailing 350ft above Chandrabhaga Beach. He is a firm believer that if there is a will, there is a way.

“I had to go through unimaginable woes to complete my studies. Despite my disabilities, I was keen on different kind of sports. I’m now Odisha’s first mountaineer and parasailor. I’m also Odisha’s first person to become the captain of the state’s football team for the blind,” said an emotional Bapina Nayak.

Ridiculed by villagers for his disability, Bapina is now an inspiration for kids in his area. He has rightfully proved that if there is a will, there is a way. He recently got appointed as a Junior Teacher in Kalahandi district.

“No one would become friends with him. His classmates refused to take him along with them. But, he never gave up and worked very hard. Now, he is an inspiration for many. All those who ridiculed him earlier, now want to become friends with him,” said an elated Chanchala Nayak, Bapina’s mother.

“He is a good human being in and out. He never shies away from working hard. Despite his disability, he has earned good education and is very well behaved. His thoughts are beyond the thinking of our villagers. So, he has reached the stage where he is today,” a fellow villager said.