Courage to continue...

Sheetal

“When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade.” It’s easier said than done. But Chandigarh Spinal Rehab Centre in Sector 28, Chandigarh is working on this motto. Every year it receives patients with spinal injury from all over India and about 80.4 per cent of them after their rehabilitation are able to lead a dignified life. Adding another feather to its cap, Flowing Karma, a band of wheelchair-bound youngsters, is going to perform with Bollywood singer Tochi Raina.

Their body may have suffered damage but not their undying spirit! When you get a second chance at life, you got to have the courage to continue and finish your story the way you want it to be. Following this, this group of seven young men have come together to form first of its kind music band, have learnt an instrument in just about two months, except for the lead acoustic guitarist and band leader, Tridib Chaudhary. 

Tridib, who came to the centre in February, has been into music since his childhood. He used to teach the guitar and was a graphic designer before the injury happened. He says, “I was bed-ridden for almost three months and it was my guitar and the students which brought me out of the physical and mental trauma.” 

Originally from Bongaigaon, Assam, after coming to Chandigarh and three months in the city and he decided to stay on all by himself. Nicky P Kaur, founder and CEO of Chandigarh Spinal Rehab, says, “When I came to know about his decision, I thought why not make use of Tridib’s musical knowledge and help other inmates to learn music. One day when I heard them singing, I came across the idea to form a band to divert their mind to something positive and soothing.” 

Rahul Singh was a drummer in his childhood and he wanted to relive it. He plays the octopad for the band. He says, “I never felt homesick once I entered this rehab centre. Nicky ma’am is like a mother to us and also the band helps us divert our mind from all the negative thoughts.” Nicky, who is addressed as Maa by many members of the group, explains, “There’s a heart-to-heart connection with everyone living here. I want them to fly and reach new heights with a positive spirit.”

Apart from Tridib, all of them are currently going through rehabilitation at the centre for acute disabilities like spinal cord and brain injury. Shubham Ware is from Pune and a dive into shallow end in a swimming pool left him quadriplegic. After being home- bound for six years, he joined the rehab and now he is learning how to play the mouth-organ. The other members of the band are Rajeev Kumar, Ashish Verma, Sandeep Singh and Ajeya Raj. Ayeja is working at the centre itself. He handles the social media account for the organisation and also the Food and Beverages Manager. Ashish Verma, who was admitted in the ICU last week, is enthusiastic about the performance. He is the base guitarist in the group as well a sportsperson. 

The band, which was officially launched recently, has already performed at Elante Mall, DT Mall and Sector 17, and aspires to come up with its own album someday. 

The musical event at 6:00pm in Chandigarh Rehab Centre is open to all.

sheetal.dadhwal@tribunemail.com