In the heart of Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, a young girl Rakshitha Raju discovered her passion for running on the dusty grounds of Ashakirana School for the Blind.
Born with a visual impairment and orphaned early in life, Rakshitha was raised by her grandmother, who herself struggled with speech and hearing disabilities. Despite these challenges, Rakshitha’s spirit remained resilient as she found comfort in the steady rhythm of her footsteps on the track.
Her journey from these humble beginnings to becoming the first Indian woman to compete in the Women’s 1500m T-11 Category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics is more than a personal victory — it marks a significant moment for Indian sports, symbolising a broader push towards inclusivity.
At Ashakirana School for the Blind, Rakshitha’s love for athletics was nurtured under the guidance of her physical education teacher. He assured that running could open doors to new........