This Model From Kochi Will Inspire You to Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

• 08 Sep 2016
• Noel Alex
• Features

One small step for Thasveer, a giant leap for human inspiration.

Sometimes we take our life for granted. We blame our circumstances for not having the strength to be the best versions of ourselves. We forget for a moment how fortunate we are to have a roof over our head, family to support us and most importantly a healthy body. But for some of us, life throws a curve ball. Kochiite Thasveer Mohammed is one of them. A model by profession, he was left scarred for life following a tragic accident as he had one of his legs amputated. Fighting against all odds, mental trauma and physical challenge, he resurfaced to narrate his story in a spirit that has been inspiring thousands across the state, and nation. His Instagram account is evidence of his unfettered impetus with over 65k followers. FWD Life magazine, the premium English magazine, took the bold step of featuring this talent and the story that continues to inspire 

On November 17, 2013, Thasveer, a Bcom student, celebrated his birthday with his friends, well into the night, and decided to go on a bike ride. Tragedy lurked just around the corner, and in the early hours of the following morning, they met with an accident. His main artery in his leg was severed. Without any delay, he was wheeled in for a surgery but after three days the infections persisted, leading to an amputation. Sixty days of gruesome pain and very turbulent sleep, Thasveer could not grasp the line that bordered between a nightmare and reality.

The one year of bed rest incapacitated him. As well as his physical impairment, his modelling career, and his clothing line store had come to a halt. But instead of breaking down, he turned things around. His family and friends constantly stood by his side and helped lift his spirits during crestfallen moments. As his name ‘Thasveer’ reflects, he decided to narrate his vindication through photography. He started an Instagram handle @thasvy, which rapidly gained thousands of followers of his inspirational pictures. From the creative compositions to his single –legged stance , he’s inspired many followers with how he’s gained his own stability in life. There’s nonchalance to his past, as he moves on with his witty hashtags, #oneleg #oyeitsmystory.

When in conversation, his steadfast nature just proves how he stays true to his words, “ When every heartbeat is stronger than the storm, who needs legs to perform.”

Words to live by, for all of us.

Thasveer has no interest for sympathy. He shrugs it off with his positive attitude and his pair of power crutches. “One of the toughest challenges is when society eyes you with pity. I decided that my positive attitude and putting a brave face was the way to say I am fine. So I got myself customized Superman and Batman crutches to lighten things up.”

Pic Source: scontent.cdninstagram.com

Going beyond modelling, Thasveer has signed up his first movie, Nishad Ravuthar’s directorial debut One and Only. He is also back in action. “I have gotten back into football as a striker and into cricket as a batsman. I will soon be looking into getting a prosthetic leg from Ottobock, a Geman brand. I am looking forward to training on that and then walking with a new leg!”

It is unfortunate that humans have to be inspired by stories like these to be reminded of how fortunate they really are. But then again, that maybe the reason why there is sorrow and suffering in this world in the first place. So here’s a reality check to you readers, life is not always for shits and giggles, sometimes it’s just plain shit. Just remember that however bad things get, there are always people who have endured worse and have come out through the other side, stronger than ever- like Thasveer Mohammed. All we need is to appreciate the life we have and strengthen our spirits.

“One of the hardest moments in my life was right after the accident. For 60 days I could not sleep and I was recovering from shock. In just a moment you lose your career, dreams, and even the most basic thing as the ability to walk for the rest of your life. Yet, after all, that pain I had to endure, I realized how grateful I was to be alive. Thus, I was inspired to do the best I could. Many people dream with their eyes closed, to me an eye opener was to model and travel against all odds. I wasn’t afraid to see anymore."

To quote Al Pacino from ‘A Scent of a Woman’- “There was a time I could see. And I have seen. Boys like these, younger than these. Their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there is nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit. There's no prosthetic for that”

This story has been adapted from the FWD Life August 2016 issue article : AN AMPUTEE’S VIEW – Best Foot Forward by Atheena Wilson, Photos: Toonus Sunny

If you know anyone from Kochi who is an inspiration to many or stories that make you believe again, tag us on social media at @WtzupKochi, message us on Facebook,  or mail us at [email protected]