IBN7 SUPER IDOLS AWARDS: Salman Khan felicitates Rajinder Singh Rahelu

Jalandhar, November 26, 2012: Realising dreams in the face of all odds and overcoming challenges by defeating physical disability – these special attributes inspired IBN7 and Supertech to come back with the fourth edition of Super Idols, a unique set of awards that celebrate the strength of human spirit, and importance of will power and a never-say-die attitude.  

IBN7 Super Idols honoured 10 specially-abled Indian athletes who participated in the 2012 London Paralympics. India won a silver medal in the Paralympic Games this year, its first ever in the high jump event.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was the chief guest at the event, felicitated the Super Idols with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each along with the special achiever, who received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.

The award adheres to a unique process of selection where the IBN Network Editorial Board, drawn from the editorial teams of IBN7, CNN-IBN and IBN-Lokmat, deliberate to finalise these icons, keeping in mind their sterling contribution.

A 39-year-old Arjuna Awardee from Jalandhar, Rajinder Singh Rahelu contracted polio when he was eight months old. Despite his limitations he wasn’t confined to one place. After finishing higher secondary education, Rahelu decided to pursue powerlifting. Following encouragement from his friend Surinder Rana, Rahelu won his first-ever title in powerlifting in 1997 at the Punjab Open Meet. In August 1998, he won National Powerlifting Championship held in Hyderabad. Rahelu is a multiple medal winner in his sport and his achievement included winning a bronze medal in the Athens Paralympics in 2004.

Speaking about this initiative, Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7 said, “We are proud to host Super Idols, an initiative meant to acknowledge the significant contributions of the specially-abled to our society and our nation. This year, we honoured 10 athletes who recently participated in the London Paralympics and won us our first Paralympic medal in the high jump event.”

Speaking about this initiative, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN, IBN7 & IBN-Lokmat, said, “I congratulate all the winners who have proved their mettle through their praiseworthy efforts and made the nation proud. These individuals have shown that any physical challenge can never become a hindrance in dreaming and achieving big.”