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A survivor of India's 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which killed about 30,000 people, has written a book about her life since the disaster. Although the earthquake left her paralyzed from the waist down, her story has been an inspiration to many.
On Wednesday India observed the 10th anniversary of the devastating Bhuj earthquake, which hit the western state of Gujarat in 2001, killing around 30,000 people.
Survivors have moved on with their lives, including many who were physically disabled in the earthquake.
One of the survivors, Neeta Panchal, has been living her life with dignity since disaster struck.
When the tremors began, Neeta was getting ready to take part in a cultural program. A building collapsed on her, breaking her back.
The injury left her paralyzed from the waist down, but Neeta said she made up her mind to live with dignity and courage.
[Neeta Panchal, Earthquake Survivor]:
"Our entire house collapsed. We were living in a tent. We had no toilets. I could not move on my own. My mother and father were elderly so I felt bad, as they had to carry me everywhere. Then I thought that if I have to live, then I should live with a smile. If God wanted to kill me, I would have never been saved. After the earthquake, if I did not die, then nothing can hamper my courage now."
Neeta has written a book about her experiences.
[Neeta Panchal, Earthquake Survivor]:
"The book had very good reviews, beyond my expectations. Even non-disabled people were influenced through my book. I had a lot of phone calls and letters praising my book and people said that my book gave them courage to live life as their life struggle is zero compared to my struggle."
Neeta married Parag Panchal in 2006 and they now have a two-year-old son.
The 2001 earthquake was one of India's worst natural disasters since independence in 1947. The damage was estimated at $6.2 billion.
