Dr Rupinder Kaur — a female Ayurvedic doctor, working as Ayurveda Medical Officer, PHC Jodhan, Ludhiana, with 65 per cent deformity in both legs, has redefined courage by reaching the Everest Base Camp. She has proved that determination can overcome even the toughest physical barriers.Kaur’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that sympathy is not what one needs, the real strength lies in pushing oneself to explore the world beyond limitations.The only participant from Punjab in a group of six differently abled individuals, she completed the challenging expedition organised by Tinkesh Ability Foundation (TAF) with unwavering spirit and returned on April 14. Her achievement is not just a personal milestone, but an inspiring message to countless others that no obstacle is too great when the will to move forward is stronger.Talking to The Tribune, Dr Kaur said that she is a wheelchair user polio survivor who reached the Everest Base Camp with other disable persons from different states.“The founder Tinkesh himself is a triple amputee while others had disabilities in legs, arms, knees etc. At 4 months old, polio afflicted, but constant support of my family provided me courage to fulfil my dreams. I did Bachelor of Ayurveda Medical and Surgery from Moga and then started with my job. But I always liked mountains and on phone, I used to watch people scaling heights. It was last year that I came to know when I visited Goa, said Dr Kaur adding that there, deformity was taken normally and in positive way when a group was talking about organising expedition.Dr Kaur became part of it and it was decided to go on a trek. For this, Rupinder daily practiced using wheelchair for hours at PAU to check if she felt loss of breath or had any other health issues. She also got her wheelchair customised as per her convenience.“It was not easy, my legs and hands used to hurt like, but then encouragement by the organisers would boost my confidence and I moved on. I also took help from a piggyback rider. On April 5, we reached the Base Camp and returned on April 14. Don’t look at us with sympathy, be our solid support and motivate people like me. We are ready to push ourselves, just give the direction,” added Dr Kaur.