 Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, June 29: India’s celebrated armless para-archer and national inspiration, Sheetal Devi from Kishtwar district, has once again left the world in awe—this time by confidently driving a car using only her feet.
The extraordinary feat was captured in a video shared by Sheetal herself on social media, showcasing her incredible balance, coordination, and spirit. In the video, Sheetal is seen behind the wheel of a car, using her right foot to steer and her left foot to operate the accelerator and brake, demonstrating flawless control and confidence.
“Took on the driver’s seat for a bit, loving every moment of it. Never say NEVER,” she captioned the post on X (formerly Twitter), further inspiring her growing fan base and drawing admiration from across the country.
Born without arms in the remote Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar, Sheetal has refused to let her disability define her. Now dubbed the “Wonder Girl of Jammu & Kashmir,” Sheetal has become a shining example of resilience, perseverance, and possibility.
Despite her physical challenges, she attends school, excels academically, and performs everyday tasks using her toes. Her life changed forever in 2019 when she was discovered by a unit of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles during a local youth event. Moved by her potential, the Army took her under its wing, offering educational assistance and seeking medical help for artificial limbs.
In 2021, Meghna Girish, mother of martyred Major Akshay Girish, extended assistance to Sheetal. Shortly after, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher came forward to sponsor her limb treatment through his NGO.
One of the most significant moments in Shee Born without arms in the remote Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar, Sheetal has refused to let her disability define her. Now dubbed the “Wonder Girl of Jammu & Kashmir,” Sheetal has become a shining example of resilience, perseverance, and possibility.
In a symbolic gesture, Sheetal presented Mahindra with one of her arrows — a token of her “indomitable spirit” — which he described as one of the most meaningful gifts he has ever received.
Sheetal’s journey to fame accelerated when she began training at the sports complex run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, where she was mentored in archery. Her talent blossomed, and she soon emerged as a rising star on the global para-archery stage.
Representing India, Sheetal, alongside fellow para-archer Rakesh Kumar, clinched gold in the Compound Open Mixed Team event in a fierce contest against Italy. Rakesh also secured gold in the Compound Men’s Doubles event, while Sheetal went on to win silver in the Compound Women’s Open and bronze in the Compound Women’s Doubles, defeating Italy once again.
Her success earned India not just medals but also national pride, proving once more that determination and talent can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Today, Sheetal Devi stands not only as a world-class para-athlete but also as a symbol of hope for millions, showing that no obstacle is insurmountable when met with courage, support, and self-belief.
As reactions pour in from across the nation, her latest video serves as yet another reminder that disability is not inability, and that India’s youth—especially from its remotest corners—are capable of rewriting history with sheer will and unshakable grit. |
