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Triple amputee Tinkesh Kaushik, who has 90% locomotor disability, received the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, 2024, from the President of India at a special ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He was also bestowed with the National Award for Personal Excellence in the category of Shreshth Divyangjan, 2024.
Tinkesh, 31, based in Carmona, defied odds to become an adventure sports enthusiast and motivational speaker. He holds multiple records. This year, he scaled the Mount Everest base camp on his prosthetic limbs.
“Finally, after overcoming many challenges along my journey, I received recognition for my work in giving back to society by trying to change people’s lives through my foundation, Tinkesh Ability Foundation,” he told TOI.
“Our foundation has helped many persons with disabilities get advanced mobility aids to enhance their mobility and also offers mental health counselling and promotes inclusive fitness. We organise treks for persons with disabilities and encourage them to take up outdoor activities,” he said.
A fitness coach, model and motivational speaker, he took up the challenge to reach the base camp of Mount Everest earlier this year to prove “everything is possible” and to raise funds for his foundation.
Tinkesh runs marathons, cycles, lifts weights, and dances, and encourages persons with disabilities like himself to take up sports in the outdoors.
