ATWATER: Lucky (Lachvir) Chima’s life is one of the most inspirational that one could encounter, Suffering from a ncuro: logical disease called “‘neurofibromatosis, he has had tumors of the back, neck and brain since he was 17 years old,- he is now 22, Constantly undergoing surgery at Stanford University Hospital has not dampened Lucky’s spirits, Although he has been left nearly Goal he has not stopped participating innumerous clubs and organizations and his striving for success is legendary among his friends and family.
He is now planning to attend law school.
I Lucky’s hearing impairment caused him great difficulty while attending the University, towards the end of his sophomore year, it became nearly impossible for him to hear his lectures and participate in class discussions. Only through perseverance, and with the help of e-takers, provided by the University, ‘was he able to complete his studies and earn his degree. ‘While attending U.C, Santa Barbara, Lucky was a member of the Associated Students Legislative Council. As a member of the Council, he served on the Finance Board, programs Board, Underwrite Board, and the Student Coalition on Racial Equality.
Another group Lucky is affiliated with, and takes more pride in being a pint of is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Lucky was founding member of the Santa Barbara University chapter and served on the executive council for thrive years.
Other organizations and groups Lucky was involved with while at the University included: Pre-Law Association, Indian Under graduate Society, Awareness Facilitation Incorporated, Residence Hall Association, and College Republicans.
The summer before his senior year, Lucky served as a congressional intern for U.S, Congressman, Gary Condit
Upon graduating from Santa Barbara University, Lucky was awarded the Alyce Marita Whitted Memorial Award. This award is given to a graduating senior who has shown “endurance, persistence and courage in the face of challenges.” Upon reflection of his accomplishments so far, Lucky thanked the many people who have touched his life and given him the strength to reach for his dreams, His first and foremost thanks goes to his parents, Gurdey Singh and Bulvinder Kaur, He also thanks the rest of his family, friends, professors and ‘strangers’ who have given him a hand in his times of need. Lucky was quoted as saying “If there {s one way for sum up the way I have tried to live my life, it is by the words of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. When asked before his death how he wanted people to remember his life, Justice Marshall said, ‘Some- one who did the best he could with what he had.’
“Some people will have better health, more money or fame, but the challenge for me is not to ask why I do not, it is to achieve all that I can with what God has given me to work with…. I’ve found that I have been blessed in many ways and my dreams remain limitless.”
Article extracted from this publication >> August 19, 1994
