The OI Warrior
Crack, crack a bone, an OI is born,
Beginning of surgeries, plasters, needles, and bandage,
Baby keeps parents awake with moans and groan,
Very soon life appears like a bondage.
You may have days of low and think God you so mean,
For Inserting virus like malware defective gene.
Life tests you with unmanageable challenge,
While the bones and bodies heal,
Rebound and Catchup bliss with a revenge,
With all the might, courage and renewed zeal.
Inspire self telling life of normal is so boring,
Perennial comfort is so tiring.
God created us with a reason,
To tell others, not to forget what they have,
Remind them don’t make lamenting a fashion
Just look at us and imagine the tears, they can save!
Fractures builds your character,
Remember! how slowly bees build nectar.
Remember life was never or will be evergreen,
Take trauma as a passing life phase,
Fractures do reduce from child to teen,
After they heal, bad memories do erase.
Remember our bones have rods of steel,
Breaking bones is after all not a big deal.
No matter how you feel,
Keep that lovely smile on your face,
Don’t let pain see you fail,
Will power, courage will sail you in life race.– Navin G.
On 16th November 1976, Mrs. and Mr. Chalapathy welcomed their only son, Navin, the middle child of three. True to his name, Navin was a dynamic individual with a zest for life and a remarkable sense of humor. Despite being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a rare brittle bone disorder, he achieved extraordinary academic, professional, and personal success.
Navin completed Chartered Accountancy, a law degree, and certification as a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He held managerial roles in multinational companies and served as a Diversity and Inclusion Leader at Oracle, where he passionately supported others. Married to Anjali, his unwavering support, he was a doting father to Daiwik, sharing cherished moments of stories, games, and travel.
His life was a testament to resilience, overcoming hundreds of fractures, surgeries, and challenges, including scooting upstairs to work during his first job. Navin credited his family—especially his devoted parents and grandmother—for a happy childhood and for instilling positivity. He brought laughter and wisdom to the Indian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, inspiring others with his unyielding spirit.
Navin’s empathy extended beyond his circle, as seen in his efforts to support a friend’s family after their loss. For his sisters, he was a superhero, a best friend, and a protector, radiating confidence and joy.
Navin’s life reminds us to face adversity with courage and hope. Though he left us on 1st April 2024, his legacy as the “Unbreakable Man” will continue to inspire.
