An inspiration, a hope : Bittoo stops@nothing

“The more they laughed, the more I got motivated to do what I wanted to do”, says Joginder Singh Saluja who bagged the Mr India title in 2006-07, for body building and power lifting categories. What’s inspirational in that you say? Well, Joginder aka Bittoo is the first in this category to have powerful biceps with polio-stricken legs. The fact that his powerful biceps completely obscure his lifeless lower limbs comes as a reassurance to many that nothing is impossible.

When he was barely ten months old, Joginder contracted polio in both his legs, leaving them completely damaged for life. Operated for over ten times by the age of 14, the doctors gave up all hope and confirmed that Joginder will suffer from locomotive disability all his life. But Bittoo’s motto in life was much clearer than most. Undeterred and adamant to follow his passion, Bittoo joined the gym for a regular exercise routine. Like any other physically challenged person, Joginder has had his share of jeers, stares and taunts. As he bench-pressed 150 kgs, people around him only mocked him. Their insensitivity towards him made him go through it and stick to him aim with even more assertion.

A second year BA student at SGTB Khalsa College in New Delhi, Joginder strongly believes that all that physically challenged people need is a little guidance to explore their special qualities. Now bagging the title for Mr India for three consecutive years, Joginder now has the confidence to move about freely with pride.

Now, the incharge of the Khalsa College gym, he also plans to open a special gym for all those who want to find the special qualities hidden behind their disabilities in them. As he drives his automatic car, designed specially for him, he smiles and says “Assi ta cheetein haan, kise toh nahi darde (I am as tough as a cheetah. I fear nothing).