In the heart of Bhubaneswar, amid traffic and deadlines, a young man on a battery driven tricycle quietly delivers food orders to doorsteps. His name is Ramdas Runguda, a 24 year old from Chitrakonda, Malkangiri district of Odisha. To a stranger, he might appear as just another delivery partner of Zomato  but look closer, and you’ll find the heart of a warrior chasing Olympic-sized dreams. Ramdas was born with a physical disability, paralyzed from the waist down. But that hasn’t stopped him from dreaming  and more importantly, working hard to make his dream of becoming a Paralympic swimmer come true.

A Humble Beginning with Giant Dreams

Hailing from a remote region in Odisha, Ramdas completed his Plus Two (Class 12) education in Chitrakonda before moving to Bhubaneswar. He left behind the familiar comforts of home to step into a city that might offer him the chance to train, earn, and prepare for the ultimate goal: to represent India in swimming at the Paralympics. Ramdas knew opportunities were few in his village, so he brought along what mattered most: a job with a food delivery app, a battery-powered tricycle and a bag full of ambition.

A Life of Routine, Discipline, and Determination

Ramdas’s day begins early. He swims and trains at Kalinga Stadium every morning. Post-training, he dons his uniform for delivery and heads into the city for work. From 12 pm to 3 pm, and again from 7 pm to 11 pm, he delivers food orders not by scooter or bike, but on his three-wheeled electric tricycle. While the job provides a daily income of about ₹500, it comes with its own set of challenges. Multistoried buildings, for instance, are a hurdle. Despite the difficulties, Ramdas maintains one unbreakable principle: self-respect. He dreams of proper sports gear, a professional coach, a sports wheelchair, a modified scooter, or at least basic infrastructure like ramps. But none of that has come his way yet.

Inspiration on the Streets

Ramdas’s spirit hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local security guards and delivery colleagues speak highly of him. He never complains, never stops smiling. Indeed, for every stranger who salutes him, Ramdas becomes a living example of what it means to keep fighting, without excuses. His story is not one of helplessness but of courage, consistency, and clarity of purpose. The journey is still long. Between swimming pools and food deliveries, Ramdas’s life is a balancing act. But what keeps him going is a clear goal: a medal for India at the Paralympics.

Every stroke in the pool and every delivery made on his tricycle is a step toward that dream. As the city of Bhubaneswar slowly gets to know this quiet hero, one hopes that the right eyes and ears take notice. A small gesture from sponsors, sports federations, or citizens could change everything, not just for Ramdas, but for the many like him who chase greatness with grit but no support. 

In an age where complaints are easy and distractions endless, Ramdas Runguda reminds us what real dedication looks like. His tricycle is not a symbol of limitation but of movement, purpose, and strength. As he heads off for his next delivery with a polite smile and unwavering resolve, we are left with one thought: India doesn’t lack talent; it only needs to open more doors. Let’s support dreams like Ramdas’s, not with sympathy, but with opportunity.