Renowned mountaineer and former Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar has been honored with the prestigious ‘Pride of Britain Award for his extraordinary achievements. The award ceremony took place on Monday evening at the Grosvenor House in London, where Budha Magar received the ‘Special Recognition Award’ during the 25th edition of the event, organized by the Daily Mirror.
The former soldier, who lost both his legs during the Afghanistan War, became emotional as he accepted the award alongside his comrades from the battlefield. Reflecting on the incident that changed his life, Budha Magar said, “I gave 15 years of military service to Britain, and I lost my legs in the process. Today, receiving this award from Britain makes me very happy.” He added that the recognition symbolized respect for all people with disabilities worldwide.
The Pride of Britain Awards, established in 1999, honors individuals who make a significant difference in the lives of others through their extraordinary skills and determination. Budha Magar, who lost both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2010, made history last year by becoming the first double amputee above the knees to summit Mount Everest.
The award ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former prime ministers, ministers, celebrities, and military officials.
An Emotional Moment with Fellow Soldiers
Budha Magar shared that having his fellow soldiers, including those who were with him during the Afghanistan incident, made the moment even more emotional. “When I lost my legs, the comrades who were behind me in Afghanistan were present at the award ceremony. Remembering that moment made me emotional, but I am grateful to have them by my side during this happy moment”.
Inspiration for the Future
After receiving the award, Budha Magar expressed his determination to continue inspiring others through his work. “I have received two awards this week. Such recognitions motivate me to strive for greater achievements. I am now focused on my next goal, which is preparing for the Seven Summits challenge,” he said.
Spreading Awareness About Disability
Despite his success, Budha Magar continues to advocate for people with disabilities, emphasizing that having a disability should not be seen as a burden or a punishment. “When I lost my legs, I used to think I had committed some great sin in my past life, but now I realize that having a disability is not a burden. It is not a sin. I want to spread this message to the world,” he said, adding that he aims to bring positive change to as many lives as possible through his advocacy work.
Looking Forward to Future Achievements
While the award brought him immense joy, Budha Magar emphasized that it also comes with a sense of responsibility. “I feel incredibly happy, but I also understand that this recognition adds more responsibility to continue my work for disability awareness,” he stated.
When asked about what would bring him the most joy, Budha Magar expressed his deep connection to Nepal, saying, “Receiving the Pride of Nepal Award would make me extremely happy. But more than that, I would find peace and fulfillment when I return to Nepal, live on my land, and die with a smile.”
Hari Budha Magar’s journey continues to inspire people globally, and his work towards raising disability awareness remains at the core of his mission.
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