In a story that embodies courage, technology, and the unbreakable human spirit, Lt Col C Dwarakesh has made history as India’s first totally blind Army officer to continue in active military service. On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu honoured the 36-year-old with the National Award for Persons with Disabilities, recognising his extraordinary achievements in service, academics, and world para shooting.
A Life-Changing Accident That Couldn’t Stop Him
In 2014, during a routine basketball match at a military station, tragedy struck. A severe injury left Lt Col Dwarakesh completely blind. What followed were eight months in hospital—months that could have broken anyone. But instead of giving up, he quietly rebuilt his life.
“As an Army officer, I was trained for courage and willpower. But nothing prepared me for blindness,” he said.
Yet, he refused retirement. He chose resilience.
Breaking Barriers in the Indian Armed Forces
Lt Col Dwarakesh is now the only blind officer in the Indian military serving in an active role. With no past example to follow, he created his own path using assistive technology and determination.
His work is supported by AI tools that help him perform tasks with the same precision and competence as his fellow officers. At the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow, he trains alongside India’s best para shooters.
A Scholar With Vision Beyond Sight
Despite losing his eyesight, the officer cleared several competitive exams, including the UGC NET, becoming one of the few visually impaired scholars in:
●Management
●Human resources
●Labour law
●Sports research
His academic work now guides research in para sports and disability inclusion.
World Record-Breaking Para Shooter
Lt Col Dwarakesh didn’t just adapt—he excelled.
Major Achievements:
◆National champion in swimming and shooting
◆World Rank 3 in 10m Air Rifle
◆World record score of 624.6 at UAE Shooting World Cup (2024)
“I turned my disability into power,” he said. “I found a way to express myself like anyone with sight.”
A Powerful Moment With the President
Receiving the national award was emotional.
“I was commissioned by the President of India years ago. Receiving an award from the President again, for something that redefined me—it feels like a full circle,” he said.
A Message of Hope for India
Lt Col Dwarakesh’s journey is more than a personal victory—it is a breakthrough for India’s disability rights movement. His success proves that with AI, accessibility tools, and the right mindset, disability does not limit ability.
He now wants to create opportunities for visually impaired athletes and continues to train for upcoming international events.
