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This year August 15 marks the 70th year of India’s independence, however, the concept of freedom differs from person to person and changes with time. As the rest of the nation hoists the tricolour, several soldiers are currently at the borders, risking their lives and wellbeing. In a humble quest to give back to these courageous jawans, Finkick Adventures is organizing a Freedom Dive to celebrate the paraplegic heroes and make them experience freedom underwater. The event is set to take place at the Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul, Vile Parle, between 10 AM to 3 PM.
Eight wheelchair-bound army veterans will be experiencing their first underwater scuba dive. These individuals have lost mobility due to spinal cord injuries sustained in the line of duty and are residing at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Khirkee. This team of eight is also a part of the Indian Para-basketball team and recently bagged the bronze in the 4th Bali Cup wheelchair basketball tournament held in Bali, Indonesia.
“Scuba Diving is a weightless medium and a universal equalizer. Underwater everyone is equal and speak the same language, the Scuba sign language. Following this thought, we have been working with persons with physical disabilities for the last 2 years and we do everything from re-introduction to water to SCUBA Certification,” says Kshitij Mittal, a DDI (Disable diving international) certified instructor and the co-founder of Finkick Adventures. He’ a 6-year-old venture that has been curating unique festivals such as the India’s first-ever Underwater Festival and building India’s first underwater hockey team. “This Independence Day, we want to give back to the Indian defence forces for keeping us safe and protecting our freedom,” he adds.
The training for the participants on the August 15 is being carried out in three stages, and is a vita prerequisite to dive a depth of 17 feet. Stage 1 involves introduction to scuba theory, equipment and a short check dive. Stage 2 entails advance dive practices within which each participant must complete a set of skills and demonstrate comfort with equipment followed by advance safety drills in shallow water. Stage 3 includes a deep-water experience. Finkick claims that all the gear used in their activities is certified to the highest standards and the instructors are trained emergency first responders who hold internationally recognized certifications to teach persons with disability in the water.
Amol Boriwale, 33, Ex Paratrooper, Parachute Regiment is one of the paraplegic heroes taking the dive at the event. He says, “The first time I dived during a practise session, I had so much fun that I did not feel like getting out.” Another army veteran, Naik Suresh Karki, 40, shares the same sentiment, saying, “I am very excited for the event. The feeling of freedom under water is amazing.” Bahadur Thapa, a soldier from 4/3 Gorkha Rifles explains his initial unease, but is now confident for the event after the practise sessions.
The message that Freedom Dive wishes to convey is that scuba diving is a non-discriminatory activity, whether you are a child, a senior citizen or a differently abled person underwater. It doesn’t matter as everyone is weightless and the slightest movement of hand or leg is enough to move you forward. “We would like to bring light to the community of persons with disability in India. This event is going to prove that with the proper training, rehabilitation and assistive aids any individual with disability can match and excel and able body person. Imagine including an entire set of marginalized community, the power is unfathomable,” states Kshitij.
This is a one of a kind dedication to the Indian defence by taking their war veterans Scuba Diving. However, Scuba Diving with disabilities is not as uncommon as we might think. There are various individuals and organizations dedicated to diving for differently abled people in various places around the world. India has at least 3 centers and various instructors working to help introduce the beauty of life underwater.
Robert Frost once wrote that freedom lies in being bold – celebrate the nation’s independence today cheering these bold jawans as they embark on an exhilarating journey to freedom, tomorrow.
You can visit the event page for more information.
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