When Kumar Nitesh first picked up a badminton racquet during his time in IIT Mandi in 2014, it was just a way to relax after class. A decade later, he’s a decorated international para-athlete with multiple medals, a role model for countless aspiring sportspersons, and living proof that tragedy doesn’t have to end your story — it can start a new one.&nbsp;Nitesh’s journey into professional badminton started with curiosity and recreation. He had no idea that what started in a college hall would take him to the podium of international tournaments. “I started playing badminton for recreation when I joined IIT Mandi. Back then, I didn’t even know about para-sports,” he said in an exclusive interview with WION. “But I loved the game so much, I started training seriously. Eventually, I won my first bronze in a para tournament, and that changed everything." he added.&nbsp;Nitesh continued to train, improved steadily, and began making waves in national and international tournaments. But success wasn’t linear. There were phases where the results didn’t come, and motivation waned. Yet, he never gave up.&nbsp;Balancing sports and academics is no easy task. For Nitesh, the dream of reaching the Tokyo Paralympics collided with the realities of being an IIT student. “There was a tough time when I had to manage both. I think I missed Tokyo because of that. But after that, things went back on track and I went on to win a gold medal in tournaments.”&nbsp;Despite the setback, Nitesh stayed grounded. Every tournament, he says, was a learning curve.“I always analysed what went wrong, what could’ve been better — diet, training, mindset. That helped me grow.”&nbsp;The Tokyo Olympic cycle was particularly brutal. Nitesh battled one setback after another — food poisoning, hospitalisation, surgery for appendicitis, and persistent knee issues. “There were days when I couldn’t even perform basic physical tasks. But I never gave up. And when I went to Paris for the Olympics, I was injury-free and playing better than ever — defeating someone I had never beaten before.”&nbsp;Even in heartbreak, he found redemption. After losing a closely fought final at the 2023 Asian Games, he bounced back just an hour later to win gold in the men's doubles category.&nbsp;Nitesh Kumar’s life took an unexpected turn after a train accident in 2009 led to amputation of his left leg. “It was sudden. Everything I imagined for myself ended that day,” he recalled. “I was bedridden for months. But my father always motivated me. Slowly, I started walking again.”&nbsp;This marked a turning point. With support from his family, he refocused on education — preparing for the IIT entrance exam, and eventually securing admission into one of India’s premier engineering institutions. “I wasn’t the best student initially, but when I saw my first competitive exam results, I realised I could do it if I prepared seriously.”&nbsp;In 2019, Nitesh took up the role of a senior badminton coach with the Haryana Sports Department, all while continuing his own career. “When I became a coach, I hadn’t reached my peak as a player. But I always felt that my experience could help others. Even now, when juniors talk to me, I try to pass on everything I’ve learned.”&nbsp;The department, he says, has been instrumental in supporting his journey — especially in the lead-up to major tournaments like 2024 Paris Olympics.&nbsp;Nitesh’s trophy cabinet is nearly full — but he has his sights set on what’s missing. “I’ve won silvers and a bronze at the World Championships, but no gold yet. That’s the target for 2026,” he says. “I also don’t have an individual Asian Games gold yet. The list keeps growing — and that’s a good thing. I’m happy to keep chasing better.”&nbsp;As someone who rebuilt his life after a life-altering accident, Nitesh’s message to others in similar situations is clear and powerful. “Life doesn’t end because of one unfortunate incident. Keep pushing your limits — physically and mentally. Even if not in sports, doing something sincerely will give you confidence to face life.” “I used to be dependent on others. Now, I face the world with strength. That’s what I want others to believe too — this is not the end," he signed off with a smile.

WION Exclusive This is not the end How Kumar Nitesh turned pain into power

When Kumar Nitesh first picked up a badminton racquet during his time in IIT Mandi in 2014, it was just a way to relax after class. A decade later, he’s a decorated international para-athlete with multiple medals, a role model for countless aspiring sportspersons, and living proof that tragedy doesn’t have to end your story — it can start a new one. Nitesh’s journey into professional badminton started with curiosity and recreation. He had no idea that what started in a college hall would take him to the podium of international tournaments. “I started playing badminton for recreation when I joined IIT Mandi. Back then, I didn’t even know about para-sports,” he said in an exclusive interview with WION. “But I loved the game so much, I started training seriously. Eventually, I won my first bronze in a para tournament, and that changed everything." he added. Nitesh continued to train, improved steadily, and began making waves in national and international tournaments. But success wasn’t linear. There were phases where the results didn’t come, and motivation waned. Yet, he never gave up. Balancing sports and academics is no easy task. For Nitesh, the dream of reaching the Tokyo Paralympics collided with the realities of being an IIT student. “There was a tough time when I had to manage both. I think I missed Tokyo because of that. But after that, things went back on track and I went on to win a gold medal in tournaments.” Despite the setback, Nitesh stayed grounded. Every tournament, he says, was a learning curve. “I always analysed what went wrong, what could’ve been better — diet, training, mindset. That helped me grow.” The Tokyo Olympic cycle was particularly brutal. Nitesh battled one setback after another — food poisoning, hospitalisation, surgery for appendicitis, and persistent knee issues. “There were days when I couldn’t even perform basic physical tasks. But I never gave up. And when I went to Paris for the Olympics, I was injury-free and playing better than ever — defeating someone I had never beaten before.” Even in heartbreak, he found redemption. After losing a closely fought final at the 2023 Asian Games, he bounced back just an hour later to win gold in the men's doubles category. Nitesh Kumar’s life took an unexpected turn after a train accident in 2009 led to amputation of his left leg. “It was sudden. Everything I imagined for myself ended that day,” he recalled. “I was bedridden for months. But my father always motivated me. Slowly, I started walking again.” This marked a turning point. With support from his family, he refocused on education — preparing for the IIT entrance exam, and eventually securing admission into one of India’s premier engineering institutions. “I wasn’t the best student initially, but when I saw my first competitive exam results, I realised I could do it if I prepared seriously.” In 2019, Nitesh took up the role of a senior badminton coach with the Haryana Sports Department, all while continuing his own career. “When I became a coach, I hadn’t reached my peak as a player. But I always felt that my experience could help others. Even now, when juniors talk to me, I try to pass on everything I’ve learned.” The department, he says, has been instrumental in supporting his journey — especially in the lead-up to major tournaments like 2024 Paris Olympics. Nitesh’s trophy cabinet is nearly full — but he has his sights set on what’s missing. “I’ve won silvers and a bronze at the World Championships, but no gold yet. That’s the target for 2026,” he says. “I also don’t have an individual Asian Games gold yet. The list keeps growing — and that’s a good thing. I’m happy to keep chasing better.” As someone who rebuilt his life after a life-altering accident, Nitesh’s message to others in similar situations is clear and powerful. “Life doesn’t end because of one unfortunate incident. Keep pushing your limits — physically and mentally. Even if not in sports, doing something sincerely will give you confidence to face life.” “I used to be dependent on others. Now, I face the world with strength. That’s what I want others to believe too — this is not the end," he signed off with a smile.

Indian para-badminton player Kumar Nitesh has a gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the men's singles SL3 category. He has also won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Para Games over the years

WION Exclusive | 'This is not the end': How Kumar Nitesh turned pain into power

IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera has stirred a controversy after he asked students to take a pledge not to eat meat while claiming that landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh are happening because of cruelty on animals.

"Himachal Pradesh will have a significant downfall...if we do. Not stop butchering animals. You are butchering animals there... the innocent animals. It has a symbiotic relationship with the degradation of the environment as well... which you cannot see right now but is there..."

"It is having landslides, cloudbursts and many other things again and again, these are all effects of cruelty on animals...people eat meat," Behra said while addressing the students, a video of which is doing the rounds on social media.

"To become good human beings, what you have to do? No to meat eating," he further said and then went on to ask the students to vow not to eat meat.

There was no response from Mr Behera on the controversy. His comments attracted criticism from netizens.

"The collapse is complete. These superstitious fools will destroy whatever little was built in 70 years," Sandeep Manudhane, an entrepreneur and IIT Delhi alumni, said on X.

Gautam Menon, a professor of biophysics, said, "In the current dispensation, having views like those of the director of IIT Mandi featured here is a feature, not a bug. It's simply sad." This is not the first time Behera has stir a row with his controversial comments. Last year, he hit the headlines for claiming that he was involved in an act of exorcism to rid his friend's apartment and family of "evil spirits" by chanting "holy mantras". 
&nbsp;

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IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera has stirred a controversy after he asked students to take a pledge not to eat meat while claiming that landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh are happening because of cruelty on animals.

IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera has stirred a controversy after he asked students to take a pledge not to eat meat while claiming that landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh are happening because of cruelty on animals. "Himachal Pradesh will have a significant downfall...if we do. Not stop butchering animals. You are butchering animals there... the innocent animals. It has a symbiotic relationship with the degradation of the environment as well... which you cannot see right now but is there..." "It is having landslides, cloudbursts and many other things again and again, these are all effects of cruelty on animals...people eat meat," Behra said while addressing the students, a video of which is doing the rounds on social media. "To become good human beings, what you have to do? No to meat eating," he further said and then went on to ask the students to vow not to eat meat. There was no response from Mr Behera on the controversy. His comments attracted criticism from netizens. "The collapse is complete. These superstitious fools will destroy whatever little was built in 70 years," Sandeep Manudhane, an entrepreneur and IIT Delhi alumni, said on X. Gautam Menon, a professor of biophysics, said, "In the current dispensation, having views like those of the director of IIT Mandi featured here is a feature, not a bug. It's simply sad." This is not the first time Behera has stir a row with his controversial comments. Last year, he hit the headlines for claiming that he was involved in an act of exorcism to rid his friend's apartment and family of "evil spirits" by chanting "holy mantras". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cloudbursts, landslides in Himachal happening because people eat meat: IIT Mandi Director

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi have identified a molecule that can be used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, shows the molecule (PK2) triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas.&nbsp;

According to the study's author Prosenjit Mondal, “Current drugs such as exenatide and liraglutide used for diabetes, are administered as injections, and they are costly and unstable after administration. We seek to find simpler drugs that are stable, cheap, and effective against both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-researchers-identify-gene-variant-that-makes-indians-susceptible-to-diabetes-449330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The molecule can act as a gamechanger as it can potentially be used as an orally administered medicine for diabetes. Interestingly, India is deemed the world's diabetic capital.

Diabetes, which is a chronic health condition, is associated with insufficient insulin release by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to blood levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-diabetes-treatment-can-delay-ageing-among-humans-scientists-claim-368759">Also read |&nbsp;This diabetes treatment can delay ageing among humans, scientists claim</a>

“We first tested the binding of PK2 on GLP1R proteins in human cells and found that it is able to bind well toGLP1R proteins. This showed that PK2 can potentially trigger insulin release by the beta cells,” said co-author Khyati Girdhar.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin while Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body processes blood sugar or glucose.

“Beyond increasing insulin release, PK2 was also able to prevent and even reverse beta cell loss, a cell essential for insulin production, making it effective for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” added Mondal.

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi have identified a molecule that can be used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, shows the molecule (PK2) triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi have identified a molecule that can be used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, shows the molecule (PK2) triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas. According to the study's author Prosenjit Mondal, “Current drugs such as exenatide and liraglutide used for diabetes, are administered as injections, and they are costly and unstable after administration. We seek to find simpler drugs that are stable, cheap, and effective against both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.” The molecule can act as a gamechanger as it can potentially be used as an orally administered medicine for diabetes. Interestingly, India is deemed the world's diabetic capital. Diabetes, which is a chronic health condition, is associated with insufficient insulin release by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to blood levels. Also read | This diabetes treatment can delay ageing among humans, scientists claim “We first tested the binding of PK2 on GLP1R proteins in human cells and found that it is able to bind well toGLP1R proteins. This showed that PK2 can potentially trigger insulin release by the beta cells,” said co-author Khyati Girdhar. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin while Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body processes blood sugar or glucose. “Beyond increasing insulin release, PK2 was also able to prevent and even reverse beta cell loss, a cell essential for insulin production, making it effective for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” added Mondal. Watch WION's live TV here:

IIT researchers discover molecule that can be used to treat diabetes

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WION Exclusive | 'This is not the end': How Kumar Nitesh turned pain into power

Cloudbursts, landslides in Himachal happening because people eat meat: IIT Mandi Director

IIT researchers discover molecule that can be used to treat diabetes