Surat: Counting down their wedding days, Additional Commissioner Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC), 39 years old Rupesh Kumaradded a feather to its ‘safa’ (turban) on Monday when the blind bureaucrat was conferred with the title of ‘safa’.super heroIn the ‘Smart Cities, Smart Urbanization’ conference.
Kumar, who rides a cycle with his driver or PSO to commute to work every day, has been awarded for his efforts towards a clean environment despite his disability. A 2019 IAS officer of AGMUT cadre, Kumar rides more than 100 kms on his cycle every month. “The FWCC was from January 1 to January 26. I rode 101 km despite a break of eight days due to Covid-19,” he said.
However, after marriage, Kumar will find a new partner to pursue his endeavors. “I need someone to run me and currently my staff members do that. This could be my life partner too. Ultimately it is about cycling, which is a passion for me,” Kumar told TOI.
The confidence to do something inspirational in Kumar’s voice is sharp and clear while his smile only sets a positive note. Kumar overcomes his disability by cycling, which is the only habit he did not give up for his disability.
Excited to be brought up as a ‘Superhero’ as part of ‘Freedom to Walk and Cycling’ (FWCC) smart city missionThe bureaucrat mentions the title while introducing himself.
“I used to ride my bicycle regularly when I was young. But after losing my eyesight, I had to wait for a while. Later, with the help of friends, family and co-workers, I started riding a borrowed bicycle again. In the end, I bought my own,” he said.
A native of Amritsar, Kumar developed gradual vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa about 20 years ago. “Initially I thought my vision would improve, but now I have almost 100 per cent vision impairment,” Kumar said.
“In Chandigarh, many people cycle regularly which gave me the courage to start. It helps me stay fit and also reduces pollution.”
Kumar, who rides a cycle with his driver or PSO to commute to work every day, has been awarded for his efforts towards a clean environment despite his disability. A 2019 IAS officer of AGMUT cadre, Kumar rides more than 100 kms on his cycle every month. “The FWCC was from January 1 to January 26. I rode 101 km despite a break of eight days due to Covid-19,” he said.
However, after marriage, Kumar will find a new partner to pursue his endeavors. “I need someone to run me and currently my staff members do that. This could be my life partner too. Ultimately it is about cycling, which is a passion for me,” Kumar told TOI.
The confidence to do something inspirational in Kumar’s voice is sharp and clear while his smile only sets a positive note. Kumar overcomes his disability by cycling, which is the only habit he did not give up for his disability.
Excited to be brought up as a ‘Superhero’ as part of ‘Freedom to Walk and Cycling’ (FWCC) smart city missionThe bureaucrat mentions the title while introducing himself.
“I used to ride my bicycle regularly when I was young. But after losing my eyesight, I had to wait for a while. Later, with the help of friends, family and co-workers, I started riding a borrowed bicycle again. In the end, I bought my own,” he said.
A native of Amritsar, Kumar developed gradual vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa about 20 years ago. “Initially I thought my vision would improve, but now I have almost 100 per cent vision impairment,” Kumar said.
“In Chandigarh, many people cycle regularly which gave me the courage to start. It helps me stay fit and also reduces pollution.”