Paawan Gaur, a student from Kota, has set a very inspiring example for all those who have certain dreams to achieve, but find their path spotted with hurdles and difficulties. This 19-year-old did not let his illness come in the way of his dream to study Astrophysics, and has today bagged a seat for the same at the University of California. This is his story.
Paawan Gaur, a student from Kota, has set a very inspiring example for all those who have certain dreams to achieve, but find their path spotted with hurdles and difficulties. This 19-year-old did not let his illness come in the way of his dream to study Astrophysics, and has today bagged a seat for the same at the University of California. This is his story.
After being bedridden for four long years of his life, 19-year-old Paawan Gaur has successfully secured a seat for himself in the B.Sc Astrophysics program of University of California, San Diego. He has also received an internship offer from NASA.
Paawan, a resident of Kota, was in class IX when he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
It started with common fever and body pain. But in a matter of just two months after the diagnosis, it became extremely difficult for him to stand for even a minute. For the next four years, he had to spend most of his time in bed.
Because of the prolonged illness, suffering, and his inability to go to school, Paawan went into depression. But his father was determined to motivate him and help him in fighting the disease in the best possible way. Devendra Gaur counselled his son to continue with his studies.
While he had scored poorly in class IX because of the illness, the young man came back with a stronger will to beat his suffering. He had always been passionate about becoming a scientist, and that dream helped him move forward in spite for his pain. He scored 9.4 CGPA marks in his class X exams, which he had to take while lying on a stretcher.
But because of his bedridden state, Paawan had also gained a lot of weight, and doctors informed that there was a risk of him developing lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes and heart ailments. Following this, his family consulted an Ayurvedic doctor in Beawar, Rajasthan. The new treatment began in 2013 and his condition improved to a large extent. The next step from here was to concentrate on weight reduction. With the help of medicines and physiotherapy, Paawan was able to lose about 40kg in just one year.
Thanks to his treatment, he was able to walk with some assistance while appearing for his class XII exam. He passed with flying colours, scoring 91%. Unfortunately, he could not appear for his IIT entrance exam because he was unwell on that day. But his dream to study astrophysics, kept him going and inspired him to apply to many different colleges. Based on his SAT score, he was able to finally bag a seat at the University of California.
As of now, Paawan is 70% fit. He is able to walk slowly, but needs frequent rest. He is also able to sit in a classroom, but on a specially designed seat which reduces his pain.
Three cheers to his spirit, and determination to fight all odds that came as hurdles on his way towards success.
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