Kargil war hero who defied amputation to run marathons says his disability is 'this ability'

A Kargil war veteran who fought against his physical impairment to become India's first blade runner says his disability should be taken as "this ability" and advised others like him not to succumb to negative thoughts.

Major (retired) D P Singh survived many injuries during the 1999 war but lost his leg to a mortar fire from across the border. He says he accepted the challenges to give his life a new purpose and ensured the "quality of life" is never compromised.

His extraordinary journey from being an Army officer to an amputee marathon runner has given him a recognition as a motivational speaker - a source of inspiration to many.

Speaking at a programme attended by senior Army officers and disabled veterans at Jaipur Military Station, Major Singh said he survived the near-death experience during the war.

The amputee marathon runner gave three-point success mantra to his audience - accept the reality, learn to control mind and increase capacity to achieve what you have wished.

"It took 10 years for me to accept I have lost my leg and my body has suffered numerous (other )losses. My biggest challenge was 'thoughts' and not disability. People tried to remind me I have lost my leg...but I said 'no' to negative thoughts and that's where my new journey began," he said.

"I accepted the reality and controlled my mind."