Biosketch

I am Sudarshan Gautam, born as a normal child, and grew up in Gunshi, Bhauduri-1 Ramechhap Nepal, dreaming of being a pilot and Political leader. At school, I was an average student. I enjoyed sports, particularly volleyball and soccer, which were my favorites. Nevertheless, unlike many friends of mine, I was very much interested in scientific experiments. And I had also the hopes, aspirations and passion like any other child possesses.

In June 1994, I went to Katmandu (the capital city of Nepal) on a vacation. I was flying a kite from a roof top. The kite became stuck on the overhead electric wires. I was not aware that there was a naked live wire, and that carried 11,000 volts of electricity. I used an iron rod to get the kite back and that rod toughed to the electricity. I was unconscious; my hands completely burnt. My father and uncle took me immediately to the Nepal Army Hospital. When I regained my consciousness on the hospital bed, I found both of my hands and two toes were burnt, and after few days doctor amputated my arms. With the unthinkable consequences of the accident, all of my future dreams and careers were also amputated! My life became a burden to myself.

The days and weeks following, my amputated limbs were dreadful memories to me. I felt that I was surrounded by the total darkness without the smallest glimmer of light. I knew I was alive, but I felt as I was dead body. I could not do anything that I was used to do. All my friends deserted me .My dream-filled past life dramatically turned me into a burden; all my dreams were shattered into pieces before my eyes. I felt completely isolated from the world. I started facing terrible discrimination. Not only lost my hands, but also my self-respect, and dignity. I had lost my identity of being a man. There was no secure society or place for a physically challenged person like me in Nepal. There was nothing left for me except my tears and my endless sorrows. I asked with myself that, how could I survive my life in that condition? What could I do? There seemed to be no answers. There seemed to be no hope at all.

After eight month of medication I returned to my village. When I reached my village, my so-called dear friends and neighbors laughed at my disability and others felt pity. In my own village, I was dubbed as the 'poor boy'. Their pity hurt me. Meanwhile, my friends and classmates successfully completed their School Leaving Certificate exams. The villagers congratulated them on their success and expressed grief for me “the 'poor boy'.

Time is the greatest healer, and courage is a genuine guide. As time passed by, I was able to muster courage and strength in me that I had never realized before. Deep in my heart, I realized, no matter what, I had to endure with my disability. I knew that I would become worthless if I did not overcome my weakness complex; either I must prove myself a differently able person or I had to live as a dead body. Believing in my inner voice, I started doing things in my own way. I changed myself and customized ways of doing personal things suitable to my potential. I trained myself to do personal things on my own that included brushing my teeth, taking showers, shaving, cooking and feeding, independently. The more I started doing things, the more I realized I could do many things that physically fit people could do. Gradually, I started to play cards, carom, chess, and to go on horseback riding that many fit people may feel daunting. I also practiced writing with my toes. I took my School Leaving Certificate final examinations and passed them successfully, writing the answers with my toes.

Success is the harbinger of happiness. The people in my village congratulated me on my success in the S.L.C. exams. Courage and consistency paid me back at last. I felt a deep sense of delight and pride. I, the poor boy, soon became an icon of success in my village, and in the surrounding area. Parents would point me out to their children and say, "Look! He passed his exams despite his ostensible disability. You should be embarrassed of yourself." All this boosted my confidence. I began to believe strongly in myself once again. I felt free from bondage and the barriers that had held me back; I felt there was light at the end of the tunnel. I was ready to take on all sorts of challenges in the world and strive hard to succeed.

I regained my old cheerfulness and got involved in all kind of activities and socializations in the community. The villagers called me their young leader. Soon, I left my village for Katmandu to continue my higher education. When I arrived in Katmandu, I made a promise to myself: "One day, I will take my respectable place in my society with my talent, and the world will regard me as a brave person!"

I enrolled at Nepal Commerce Campus, Katmandu, Nepal from where I graduated in commerce. During the same time, as a student council’s leader, I advocated for the rights, and rehabilitation of the disabled. During this period that I also learned how to use a computer, and knowledge of computer facilitated my studies and work.

I aspired to have my name entered in the Guinness Book of World Records so that my country would be proud of my efforts. With that noble hope, I undertook the challenge of driving a standard car. I requested many driving institutes, and organizations to help fund this project, but nobody believed that I could really do it. I invested my own funds, and learnt to drive from a private driving institute. On September 8, 2001, I demonstrated my driving skill to approximately 10,000 spectators. The Government of Nepal, Nepal Disable Federation, Only at Nepal, and many social organizations helped me to organize this event. The demonstration was covered and aired on various electronic and print media. Now I am able to drive a standard car with my feet through the busy streets. Driving a car on the streets of Kathmandu for the first time was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

After the driving demonstration, I was able to share my goals and get supports from many institutions. I was presented with cash awards, and I was honored by many social organizations and the Nepalese Government. I also realize that I have to advocate and help others like me.

As a president of ‘Nepali for Nepali Cooperation Committee-Nepal' including Nepal Scout and other organization, I had served for Mugu’s more then 20,000 people from 2001 to 2004.

In 2003, I took on a new challenge. With the help of a driving institute, I learned how to ride a normal (not modified) motorbike. I fixed a date for the motorcycle riding demonstration. Meanwhile, my country's political condition worsened, and, unfortunately, the demonstration was cancelled. That was my big unfulfilled dream. After that disappointment, I continued to serve as a social worker, and an active student political leader, but I was not satisfied. At the same time, I got a chance to meet many dedicated people and philanthropists in the world. They supported me to make plans for a better future. I got a chance to visit different countries to show my abilities and I achieved a new status in my life. Finally, I chose Canada to settle down. Now I have the potentialities and opportunities to prove my abilities and to fulfill my incomplete dreams.

I have had some rock climbing training in Nepal. In 2005, I have also successfully climbed Mount Yala Peak which is 5,732 m. high, without Prosthesis arms and oxygen. Before climbing Yala Peak, I had a press conference and people did not believe that without both arms I could not climb mountains. Some even laughed at me and taunted me, but I ignored them. I didn’t give up my hope. I continued to make arrangements for climbing and I have successfully assent Mount Yala at 3 am on Aug. 24 2005 with an expedition team led by the fastest climber, Pemba Dorje Sherpa. I got enormous support to summit Yala from the government of Nepal, and the United Nations of Nepal. After successfully climbing Mount Yala Peak, I am confident that I can climb Mt. Everest as well.

Now, my only one dream is to put my feet on the top of Mt. Everest. I need your support and wishes to keep up my strength and hope. On 2012 March, I would like to climb Mount Everest without Prosthesis arms, so that I can be an inspiration to millions of others around the world who are physically challenged. Also, I would like to spread the message that 'Disability is not inability'.