Wheelchair-bound Gole aspires to set a world record

Ram Bahadur Gole (Tamang), a wheelchair user, has set out for a Mechi-Mahakali tour. Gole's theme for the journey is 'disability is not the end of life. Aspiring to set a Guinness World Record by completing the longest distance journey on a wheelchair, Gole, 38, has reached Kanchanpur as part of his journey. He started his journey on a wheelchair 26 days ago from Kakadvitta in Mechi.

Gole's disability is due to a spinal cord injury and his below waist is immobile after he was injured in a bus accident. He has also lost sight in one of his eyes.

  "I have ventured out on this journey with the aim of spreading the message that one with strong willpower can do work like an abled person," he said. He has already completed approximately 550 kilometers from Lumbini to Bodh Gaya in India and an additional 366 kilometers from Namobuddha to Lumbini. The mechi-Mahakali visit is Gole's third journey on a wheelchair.

"I love visiting and meeting new people. But the society and state want us to be confined. I have ventured out into this journey overcoming various difficulties."

Gole, who arrived here in a wheelchair, has been working as a pair counselor at Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre. He is imparting training to persons with disabilities at Rehabilitation Centre.

Gole shared, "Life is enjoyable than we perceive. We know to live it." I never think about my disability. I consider myself a lucky person and I would not have understood about the life if I was not disabled."

He became disabled when a bus he was traveling with friends met with an accident at Chaubanne kilo of Dolalghat on January 2, 2011.

Gole added, "I want to set a record in Guinness Book of World Records by traveling longest distance journey on a wheelchair."

Surendra Yadav and Shailendra Hasan of India have set a record in the Guinness Book of the World Records by traveling 250 kilometers in a wheelchair. Gole said that his journey has been ended at Gaddachauki of Kanchanpur this morning. His nephew, Man Bahadur Tamang, is along with Gole in the journey for his support.

Gole has a wife, a son, and a daughter.