After losing arm, startup CEO designs prosthetic limb

Mudit Dandwate was on a fun trip when a crocodile attacked him

On June 26 last year, the CEO of a city-based startup lost his arm fighting a crocodile that attacked him. A year on, he is now hoping to inspire others who have undergone amputations.

Mudit Dandwate was on a fun trip when he was attacked by a crocodile at Thattekere off Kanakapura Road. Mudit lost his left limb while trying to battle the amphibian even as he tried to save his dogs that had wandered into the water body.

Dandwate was a passionate racer prior to the accident. This survivor has now designed a prosthetic limb that is made of the same material that is used on racing cars.

"I was unable to design it all by myself. Some parts of it are imported. However, I chose the same material that is used for the body of a racing car as it is very light," says Dandwate speaking to DH.

This 27-year-old has not given the prosthetic arm a skin tint. "I do not wish to do that. The reason behind it is that I want the other amputees to feel the way I do. I am looking forward to having conversations with them about the challenges we face and how we could overcome it. Hence, I do not want my limb to be painted in skin colour," he adds.

Dandwate says he feels more optimistic now. "I am more focused now. I am also being more serious about life after the incident," he says.

He made attempts at what he could otherwise do previously. "I could drive in California as the gears are on the right side. In India, it has not been possible," he explains.

On that fateful day, he had set off on a casual Sunday drive along with another friend and their dogs. Even as he tried to retrieve his dogs that had wandered into the water, a crocodile charged at him. Dandwate had snapped his own partially severed arm to escape the amphibian and save his life. Later, with the help of locals and forest officials, he got medical help. He was operated upon at Hosmat Hospital and underwent debridement as well.