Zero to Hero – Gani (the strength of love)

How was the story of Jackie, our inspirational close-up magician + card illusionist? It sure was inspiring for the amount he achievements given his physical challenge. But not only Jackie, there are also others who when through physical challenges who are on the road of success. Like Ganesan aka Gani, the artist! (it was suppose to be Thiru, but because of some complications he is facing he will be portrayed in the following one).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Similar to Jackie, there was Gani a brave guy who had many physical talents in him. He was living a “perfect” life (according to him)
previously (& better now).

Primary school

His journey to the outside world started in primary 1 where it lasted till primary 8 at
that time of 1980’s. He had no interest in studies and found it difficult to absorb whatever thought cognitively.
Hence he lived a laidback life for his studies.

But like the saying goes “if you can’t no matter what, excel in studies, you will definetly excel in something pratical/physical“. That was how Gani’s life resumed with a row of great achievements.
It all started during his school’s sports day. It was definetly a hot day, Gani even though was laid back in his
studies, he was a very active in sports. He used to run a lot. He participated in almost all events in sporting events
on that day and emerge 1st in almost all.

That was the beginning for his achievements. He later on joined the track and field team. As we know track & field got many fields like long distance, middle distance, short distance, long jump and many more.
He excelled in short distance, and because of that got into the position of the captain. After being a captain Gani
slowly started managing about 60 track & field trainees to achieve success in their field of expertise.

Gani also do go for regular doctor check ups for any issues as it is also part of a requirement in his sports life. One
such day when he went to the doctor, it was all as per normal. But this time the results after the test and scans was
different. The doctor said he is having “muscle dystrophy” which is a group of diseases that cause progressive
weakness and loss of muscle mass, affecting the right side of his body. This did not bothered Gani then because of
lack of knowledge about it and the ignorance of his age.

Life when on happily for Gani, till the day he was supposed to attend a basketball competition in Queenstown primary school.
On the way to Queenstown primary school excited, while crossing the road to his surprise there came a car
speeding towards him which he did not notice.

He felt a strong presence and when he turned, he saw the car right beside him and in a split of a second hit his hip sending him flying to a few metres away rolling to a stop.

Immediately out came the husband and wife from the car to attend to him. Surprisingly, he stood up without any injury
and told the couples “I am late for the competition, I wanna go”. The shocked couple, refused to let him go and insisted that he go to the hospital for a thorough check.

 

 

 

 

He went to the doctor and after the observation another pleasant surprise was awaiting them. HE HAD NO FRACTURE NOR ANYTHING! HE WAS PERFECTLY FINE! Imagine, no bruises no injuries or anything after
an accident..that was awesome. As the competition continued till the next day, he went for it and won a TROPHY! Sweet:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

But unfortunately that was one of the only competitions which brought him a champion trophy. The disease which formed in
him started to act up when he got second (which was not a norm for him from getting first everytime) in a inter-school competition.
“I was running and leading the race, when approaching to the finishing line I suddenly had a fall. But not wanting to lose my
lead, motivated me to get up n GO! but again for the second time i fall. Again not wanting to lose my lead I got up.. but
by the time I started to gain my speed again, someone overtook me and won the race. Giving me only a second place”.

It was from then he started to get second and third placing for all other races. One of his teacher understood what was happening but instead
cheered him on to not *give up and strive on*.

Life after primary school & love

Gani entered secondary school and like all students lead his life as per normal. It was the time of life he went to the negative path.
Still managing it, he managed to graduate in to ITE(Institute of Technical Education). It was the phase where his condition also got
worsern and he started to limp. But that never stopped Gani, to be committed to the negative path by joinig illegal social group aka “gang”.
He did notorious activities, despite getting falls on stairs and bicycles(strong-willed). But he still had the “good” in him.

He started working, to support his family and himself. Gani worked in the day at office and night in the pubs. That was the period he met his now wife
Jayshree, who was a Navy sign on offcer. Their love story was like a *tamil movie*, which began through a mutual frend (who actually had a crush on her too).
She was heart brokened, felt down always and was suffering from depression, because of her past love. Not only that she also had
Epilepsy(Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures).

When was doubting on if she will ever get married, then came our ‘hero’ Gani
who sweeped her off the feet for marriage through his humorous personality. The always negative Jeyshree became positive. The marriage did not happen
before overcoming challenges especially from Jayshree’s family because of Gani’s DISABILITY.

After a long struggle, despite the Mum with Jayshree’s Dad’s half consent and the elder brother’s support they eventually got married.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When asked Jayshree about her husband Gani, she will say “he is a man of his words..who does everything for his wife(even sweeping, mopping or washing)”. She too added, “I find that people with disabilities are special, or even some seem to have superpowers. They are actually better than normal people”.

*Such a wonderful claim*

 

 

 

 

 

They were living a happy life, for a year after marriage passed. Then one day when Gani woke up from his bed for work, he observed a unsteady gait for few steps and he had a fall. Surprised, he woke up again to walk and once more he fell again. When the third time this happened, he told his wife about
it and understood that the disease has grown full blown and is acting up on him. That was when he lost most things one by one, especially work. His wife had to
quit her job too to look after his new challenges(all wifes who face this can relate).

‘The NewPaper’ Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that they seeked help from various social welfare sectors. And that was when Gani got introduced to Raja Singh, a former commando who became paralysed hip-down because of polio in a cycling accident in his 20s, and went on
to become an elite wheelchair racer and also co-founded a medical rehabilitation equipment and supplies company. His stories was inspirational to the extent
where it motivated Gani to stay independent. That is where he started a home buisness of doing handy crafts, like photo frames, glass paintings, drawings and etc. He also love birds and do take care of them.
Some of his works are running successfully but not all. Do support him if you wish.

 

 

 

 

These are some of the birds.

The message he wanna send to this world is ” I do not wish my situation for anyone, but if it does, never give up, persevere and ignore the naysayers and believe in
yourself!”

And went asked about his dream, he said “I wanna have a child, a car licence, a big house (preferbally a terrace), and most importantly to WALK!”

Let’s wish his dream to come true:)

Love has strengthen Gani till this far. So what excuses do you have? everything is possible unless you put your mind, body and soul to it. Do not give up on your dream, and at the same time let’s help each other towards success. If Gani could do it definitely you can do it too!

==> Click this link to watch the video of Gani in Youtube <==

 

Stay tune for the next inspiring blog, till then, Believe in yourself, go Beyond your limits and Become your best..!