Ajit Jogi set to get back on his feet

Ajit Jogi, former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, who has been wheelchair-bound for the last eight years, is looking forward to a special birthday treat. On April 29, Jogi hopes stand up to greet his visitors and walk to cut his birthday cake. Ejaz Kaiser reports. Getting a new lease of life

Ajit Jogi, former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, who has been wheelchair-bound for the last eight years, is looking forward to a special birthday treat. On April 29, Jogi hopes stand up to greet his visitors and walk to cut his birthday cake.

The impossible was made possible by the Rex Robotic device, an import from New Zealand. And Jogi said he would be the first Asian to use it.

Following his accident in 2004, Jogi had tried everything medicine could offer. Then he started exploring robotic legs. The trouble was, there were only three countries which design the latest versions. But Israel's product was only for its soldiers and the medical regulations of the US prevented Jogi from bringing the device to India.

"Only Rex Bionics from New Zealand provided me with their product after a week-long trial in Mumbai," Jogi said.

The machine costs Rs 1 crore, but as a member of the state assembly, Jogi hopes to get reimbursed.