CHICLALIM: With a never-say-die spirit Army officer Brigadier P C Roy defied death even after sustaining grievous bullet injuries during encounter with militants in Kashmir. It is with this spirit he does windsurfing in the high sea with only right hand as bullet injuries disabled his left hand.
“I was commanding 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Srinagar. During an encounter I got grievously injured after getting hit by six bullets on my chest and left shoulder. The bulletproof vest I was wearing saved my heart. But the concussions broke six ribs on my left chest. I fell from second floor and broke my right hand. Grenade splinters hit my leg,” said Brig Roy, who is in Goa to participate in the fourth ‘Open Navy Windsurfing Championship 2020’ being held at Chicalim beach.
Currently posted in Bhopal as president of the Services Selection Board (SSB) Bhopal, the senior officer reminisced how he held on to his life with the self belief that “I won’t die”.
“I reached the hospital alive even though Iife was ebbing out. Nobody imagined I could survive the injuries. Even the media had declared me dead. But I defied death. I underwent surgeries and intense physiotherapy sessions and stood back on my feet,” he said on the sidelines of the championship being organised by Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Goa.
After getting posted to Bhopal, Brig Roy developed interest in sailing. Despite failing initially, he didn’t lose heart and continued trying.
“My never-say-die attitude led me believe that I could do it even with one hand. After falling on the water regularly during the initial period, I began balancing my body better than others. My instructor supported me. I also received support from Commodore Ashish Saxena. He is my greatest motivator,” he said.
Then in May 2017, he was invited by Commander Sher Pal Singh, Officer-in-Charge, Navy Windsurf team and INWTC (Goa) for windsurfing championship.
Initially the going was tough for the Army braveheart as he was first time sailing in the sea, against strong waves and wind current.
“It was difficult for me to balance the body with one hand. I had blisters in my hand. But I didn’t give up. Although I haven’t won any race but I have completed all of them, which is an achievement. I appeal to everyone that never give up and don’t hesitate in trying newer things. Keep moving forward,” Brig Roy said.
“Never give up in life and don’t hesitate in trying newer things.” - Brigadier P C Roy, president SSB Bhopal
“Brigadier Roy is a great inspiration for all the wind surfers here.” - Commander Sher Pal Singh, Officer-in-Charge, INWTC (Goa)