Lost both his hands but not willpower, India's double amputee achiever

Vikram Agnihtori lost both his hands at a very young age. He holds the distinction of being the first license holder in the country to drive a car with his feet in the disabled category.

Whether it's swimming in a swimming pool without hands, managing household chores, using a mobile phone, or excelling in car racing to become the top contender, Vikram mastered the art of doing things with the assistance and encouragement of his mother which even normal people find challenging.

Vikram, now 52, currently lives in Indore district in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. He is the Chairman of Vital Spark Welfare Society and gives motivational lectures.

Vikram has documented his mother's sacrifice and unflinching support, from his childhood to his journey to success, in a unique book written with his own feet. The book narrating the challenges faced by those without hands is an inspiration for the people with disabilities in the state. Vikram's book: ‘Look Ma, No Hands’ is based on the success of a child who, despite losing both his hands at the tender age of 7, accomplished all the tasks of life without hands.

Vikram told Global South World, “He was fond of playing various games like other kids in Raigarh where he lived at that time. However, one day he accidentally came into contact with a high-tension power line that was passing over the roof of his house resulting in severe injuries for Vikram.”

“Even after three months of treatment, the doctors were unable to save his hands. Both of Vikram's hands had to be amputated from his shoulders to save him from gangrene,” he said.

Vikram said that he used to feel very disheartened when he was unable to even cut his cake on his birthdays.

“I could not play with my friends and had to either sit alone or play the role of a referee. In those difficult moments my mother Vijaylaxmi Agnihotri used to understand my state of mind and encourage and supported me,” he said.

A similar situation arose while going to school when instead of writing in the exams, he had to take oral exams till class 8 but by then Vikram had started writing with his feet.

DETERMINED TO OBTAIN DRIVING LICENSE

Vikram Agnihotri applied for a driving license in December 2014, but when he did not get it he reached out to officials from the State Transport Minister to the Union Transport Minister and even the Prime Minister. He urged officials to at least assess his driving ability. He even approached the Transport Commissioner Tribunal. They advised him to modify the car to a specially-abled person's needs. Later, the Deputy Transport Commissioner came to see his driving skills and Vikram drove on challenging roads with the officer seated beside the driver’s seat.

Finally, Vivek Agnihotri obtained his permanent driving license in October 2016. Vivek expresses that driving gives him a sense of freedom.

Vikram has a car with an automatic gear shift and he holds the steering wheel with his right foot and his left foot remains on the accelerator. He has installed brakes and accelerator on the right side of his car. Vikram has driven thousands of kilometres since getting his license.

Today, Vikram Agnihotri holds the distinction of being the cleanliness ambassador of Indore and the first car racer to whom the Government of India has bestowed many honours ranging from regular car driving to excelling in racing car rallies.

Beyond his racing achievements, he has emerged as a role model for all the handicapped persons across the country, particularly those without hands, and is helping them in getting driving licenses as well. Vikram Agnihotri is a famous businessman of Indore who kept his fight against all odds no hurdle could stop him.