The Soul Traveller Podcast ft. Dr. Manoj Kumar

Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast

Episode Overview

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of The Soul Traveller Podcast, we feature Dr. Manoj Kumar—a former Indian Air Force personnel, visually impaired teacher, martial arts trainer, and a committed writer and thinker.

Dr. Manoj Kumar shares his extraordinary life journey—from serving the nation in the Indian Air Force to facing sudden visual impairment, pursuing higher education, and building a meaningful life through teaching, discipline, and literature. This conversation reflects on resilience, dignity, and the transformative power of education and creative expression.

About the Guest — Dr. Manoj Kumar

Dr. Manoj Kumar embodies courage and perseverance. After serving in the Indian Air Force, his life took an unexpected turn due to sudden visual impairment. Instead of retreating, he rebuilt himself through education, physical discipline, and writing, emerging as a respected teacher, martial arts trainer, and author.

His literary works engage deeply with social justice, marginalisation, rural realities, disability, and human values, offering powerful narratives that challenge stereotypes and provoke reflection.

Life, Discipline, and Perspective

In this episode, Dr. Kumar speaks candidly about:

• His transition from military service to academic life

• Coping with disability and redefining strength

• The role of discipline, martial arts, and self-belief

• Education as a tool for empowerment

• Society’s attitudes towards disability and difference

His reflections provide valuable insights for students, educators, social workers, and anyone navigating personal or structural challenges.

Major Literary Works

Dr. Manoj Kumar is the author of several significant Hindi literary works:

• ‘Gulaam Azaadi’ (Story Collection, 2016)
  Life lessons, morality, and ideas of freedom for both children and adults.

• ‘Jeevan Ki Bisaat’ (Story Collection, 2017)
  Narratives exploring social inequalities and the lived struggles of marginalised communities.

• ‘Ganga Ka Patthar’ (Novel, 2019)
  A portrayal of rural society, Dalit and differently-abled characters, and the possibilities of social change.

• ‘Ghaati Ko Grahan’ (Novel, 2021)
  A sensitive exploration of Kashmir’s culture, conflict, and enduring human values.

• ‘Premchand ke Dalit evm Shoshit Patron ki Mook Vedna’ (Critical Study, 2022)
  An analytical examination of marginalised characters in Premchand’s literature.

• ‘Surajdas – The Blind Man’ (Novel, 2025)
  A contemporary narrative on visually impaired life and society’s perceptions.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode demonstrates how struggle, discipline, and literature together can give vision and purpose to life. Dr. Manoj Kumar’s journey challenges conventional ideas of ability and success, reminding us that true vision lies in resilience, reflection, and social commitment.

It is an essential conversation for anyone interested in inclusive education, disability rights, literature with social conscience, and human strength beyond limitations.

About The Soul Traveller Podcast

The Soul Traveller Podcast is a platform for conversations with scholars, writers, artists, educators, travellers, and changemakers whose lives reflect purpose, perseverance, and social impact.

Each episode seeks to document journeys that inspire reflection, courage, and responsible engagement with society.

Listen, learn, and travel inward with The Soul Traveller.