I Lost My Limbs When I Was 21 | BRAND NEW ME

RIPU Bhatia feels he has had a second chance at life after surviving meningococcal septicemia. At the age of just 21, Ripu, from Auckland, New Zealand, contracted the blood infection which resulted in the loss of his nose, upper lip and the amputation of his legs and arms. Ripu could not look in the mirror for a long time and lost a lot of confidence. After 250 days in hospitals and a rehab centre, Ripu adapted to these massive physical changes and has gradually rebuilt his confidence. Now, the 27-year-old has fulfilled his dreams of becoming a journalist and feels his experiences serve him well in this role. While he is smashing life career-wise, Ripu wants to get back into exercise, having not been swimming in years since his rehabilitation sessions. Now, he is ready to get back in the pool and this time, with a friend. Ripu told Truly: “To come so close to death and emerge as a physically different person and mentally different, in a lot of ways, is a significant change, to put it lightly. And I do feel I've got a second chance in life.”

Videographer: Kirk Pflaum
Producers: Emika Berry, James Thorne
Editor: Akash Beri

Click here to follow your favourite Truly shows on Instagram!

For more amazing content, click here!

[asavannah]

Not a single word of complaint came from his mouth, just positivity and gratitude that he is still alive. Very inspirational, he is going to change peoples life.

[thegentlemantraveler]

I'm sitting here pouting because I don't have direction in life. This puts things in perspective.

[tigerlily]

“Septic shock is like stepping on a land mine... but in slow motion.” What a powerful and accurate description.

[Anonymousgirlie]

I am going through a breakup and watching this, that break-up is so damn irrelevant. I have life, hope and health. Wow, it's all about perspective. Happy he is alive and functioning.

[bionicwarrior]

I am a right arm amputee and hid behind sweaters for 19 yrs n finally now Iam being me no more hiding good for you you have nothing to hold you back inspirational!

[ste.b.]

He's surrounded by caring and loving people, he's been on a bad journey but it seems he's doing great 👍🏻

[dante]

I feel so... invalid sitting around depressed about my own silly problems. I guess that's why depression is a disease but this brave soul helps me push on.

[alicemiriah]

I’ve seen a few videos with people who have this. I can’t put into words how terrible I feel for complaining about my life when there’s people out here going through crap like this and so suddenly.

[ishan_ghimire]

Being born different is one thing. Though hard, you learn from the beginning to live that way. But living entire life with a certain perspective having a lot of hobbies, then suddenly you have to go through that, I can't even imagine how painful it must be. Respect and well wishes to him and all the people like him out there.

[gerri]

No complaints, just grateful to be alive. His heart is beautiful!

[tigerlee]

Damn, the change is so dramatic! One day you're this vibrant, good-looking and physically attractive dude, the next day your arms and legs are missing. Life can be so fragile. If you are healthy you should be thankful and not take that for granted. Who knows what could happen when tragedy strikes and your health goes south. Health is wealth.

[SuperGezmo]

that’s insane...
he had many activities and hobbies and he lost the ability to play the guitar...
but a strong man he is

[allyf]

Love him showing just because you're disabled doesn't mean you can't sport. Love the attitude, lots of love fam

[chamberlainallman]

I someday hope to have a fraction of confidence and hope this guy has

[emkkahn]

They say you should be friends with people who will better you. I want to be friends with this guy. His view of life is incredibly awesome.

[natlyaflowers]

He is so positive about his situation while alot of us including myself complain about every lil thing

[smoochumstar]

I’ve been wondering how Ripu was doing since he appeared on ATTITUDE on YT a few years back. So happy to see him thriving and doing great things! He’s an inspiration ❤️

[ainsleyharriott]

Absolutely fantastic guy. The human spirit doesn’t get any better than this. His determination and strength are very inspiring. He is the kind of guy who should receive major recognition and sponsorships etc, instead of the typical celebrities out there.

[love]

I’m 25 losing all my teeth and stressing about the whole thing but seeing him, his strength and everything is so inspiring ❤️

[stayce]

He moves with such ease and confidence that I hardly even notice he doesn’t have arms or legs. Amazing.