An enterprising spirit in a disabled body

Ding Caixiang lives in Xihao Village, Huaping County in northwest Yunnan Province. When he was 18 years old, he suffered a back injury in an accident, which rendered him permanently disabled. However, he did not lose heart but instead achieved his entrepreneurial dream.

Ding Caixiang set up a walnut orchard. Every time when he handles walnut seedlings, it would be a difficult task for him because he relies on crutches to take every step and make every movement. However, despite these difficulties, Ding Caixiang was full of youthful spirit and talked confidently about his life.

 “For several years after the accident, I could hardly get out of bed or take care of myself,” said Ding Caixiang. Not wanting to be a burden of his aged parents, he was determined to be self-reliant and chose to leave the village in search of job.

However, Ding Caixiang  soon realised that physical disability made it harder for him to work in a city. In 2012, he returned home and attended a planting and breeding training course organized by the Disabled Persons Federation of Huaping County. “The training gave me confidence. However difficult it could be, I decided to make my fortune in the village,” he said.

To date, Ding Caixiang has planted 13.05 acres of walnut trees and 4.8 acres of pepper trees, and he also raises chickens and pigs in the orchard. Last year, his peppers brought in 6,000 yuan.

Villagers are inspired by the deeds of Ding Caixiang. “Seeing a disabled person actively seeking development, we work even harder to make our lives better,” said Gu Zhengquan, leader of the village. Ding Caixiang has set up an example for other villagers with the enterprising spirit contained in his disabled body.

 “Accidents are sometimes inevitable in life. Persevere and you will see the most beautiful things,” says Ding Caixiang. “It is not dire to have a disabled body as long as your spirit is not broken.” Ding Caixiang is sure of wonderfulness in the stage of his life.

An enterprising spirit in a disabled body

Ding Caixiang lives in Xihao Village, Huaping County in northwest Yunnan Province. When he was 18 years old, he suffered a back injury in an accident, which rendered him permanently disabled. However, he did not lose heart but instead achieved his entrepreneurial dream. Ding Caixiang set up a walnut orchard. Every time when he handles walnut seedlings, it would be a difficult task for him because he relies on crutches to take every step and make every movement. However, despite these difficulties, Ding Caixiang was full of youthful spirit and talked confidently about his life. For several years after the accident, I could hardly get out of bed or take care of myself, said Ding Caixiang. Not wanting to be a burden of his aged parents, he was determined to be self-reliant and chose to leave the village in search of job. However, Ding Caixiang soon realised that physical disability made it harder for him to work in a city. In 2012, he returned home and attended a planting and breeding training course organized by the Disabled Persons Federation of Huaping County. The training gave me confidence. However difficult it could be, I decided to make my fortune in the village, he said. To date, Ding Caixiang has planted 13.05 acres of walnut trees and 4.8 acres of pepper trees, and he also raises chickens and pigs in the orchard. Last year, his peppers brought in 6,000 yuan. Villagers are inspired by the deeds of Ding Caixiang. Seeing a disabled person actively seeking development, we work even harder to make our lives better, said Gu Zhengquan, leader of the village. Ding Caixiang has set up an example for other villagers with the enterprising spirit contained in his disabled body. Accidents are sometimes inevitable in life. Persevere and you will see the most beautiful things, says Ding Caixiang. It is not dire to have a disabled body as long as your spirit is not broken. Ding Caixiang is sure of wonderfulness in the stage of his life.