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Wonder Woman – Malini Chib
In conversation with Sutanuka Sarkar for Oxford Bookstore
Sutanuka : ‘One little finger’ has been an eye opener for those for whom loving Life for what it is –tragic-seems to be the most difficult job ever. The best part about your book is the courage that each page reflects. Tell us the source of this strength and courage that lead you to become what you are today?
Malini Chib: My parents and my family refused to give up on me when we were told at the AIIMS in Delhi that not only did they have no facilities for dealing with cerebral palsy but there was no help for it. Life was over!---so we went to London…where the message and the picture was diametrically opposite. What a shot in the arm---simply exhilarating. My mother became a special educator and started the first school for disabled people Pushed the Vice-chancellor to enroll me in a mainstream college, which was a huge breakthrough, (a first for the country),and which enhanced my self-worth enormously.
My family and friends played a big part in What I Am Today, by opening doors, literally and letting the world in, by throwing me into the deep end and expecting me to perform---metaphorically speaking. It was frightening in the beginning but ultimately gave me supreme self confidence.
Sutanuka : Childhood is the time when children learn to attain consciousness of themselves. How has been your experience of growing up psychologically?
Malini Chib: Growing up with able children and having normal siblings made me believe that I was like them. I had maximum exposure.
Sutanuka : You are an inspiration to those who face physical challenges and even for those who do not. Please share the motto that you have been following to overcome all odds in your life with all of us.
Malini Chib: Never give up Follow your dream
Sutanuka : Having so many degrees and certificates after your name, How important do you feel is the need for education to all alike?
Malini Chib: The need for education is critical for a disabled woman. With education the disabled woman gets more empowered. With education anyone, leave alone someone with disability learns quickly the value of self sacrifice,in the sense of being productive and responsive.
Sutanuka : After reading your book, the name Malini Chib is an icon of confidence and courage. Being the founder and co-chairperson of the ADAPT Rights Group of the organization, what future plans do you have for the challenged members of our society ?
Malini Chib: For disabled to get more empowered and fights for their own rights. We have to get disabled people more educated and leading fulfilling life
Sutanuka : As some of our friends might be knowing, that you are the senior events manager at Oxford Bookstore, Mumbai. How has been your experience of working at Oxford Bookstore so far?
Malini Chib: It was wonderful to be accepted by colleagues. It’s been great working with Oxford Bookstore.
Sutanuka : Launching Your book One Little Finger has brought you face to face with the media quiet vividly. What has the best part about coming into the limelight till date?
Malini Chib: People have reached out to me. Disabled people and families of disabled people, I feel glad that my book had helped so many other people.
Sutanuka : Life teaches us many lesson by its various experiences. What has been the most impactful incident in you life that has taught things that books could never do?
Malini Chib: I think one has to love life. One has to experience everything in life
Sutanuka : Post One Little Finger, what plans do have as a writer?
Malini Chib: I am working on a couple of pieces lets see which one develops
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