Consider Malathi K Holla, the Ajruna awardee, the Ekalvya awardee and the Padma Shree awardee. This paraplegic woman, though wheelchair bound, is free as a bird in spirit.
She holds the record for being the fastest Indian Female athlete, completing a 200-metre wheelchair race in 56.10 seconds. She is a living proof that sheer grit and determination could take one to any heights.
For all those who would benefit from a good dose of inspiration, her biography titled A Different Spirit, that was launched recently, might prove useful.
Looking lovely in a green and gold saree, Holla spoke to the guests who had assembled at the venue for the launch. Her humour in full bloom, Holla, spoke of how she had come thus far, how hard it has been and the need to remain positive.
M Anantha Krishnan, the author, informed the gathering, “I don’t want to take any credit for writing this book. Anybody could have written it. The story is Malathi’s. Her ability to stay calm during troubled times is inspiring.”
“Malathi’s is an extraordinary life”, he said and added, “even with a mother who hated her, sports administrators who didn’t support her, men who left her, she didn't’ give up.”
Kirmani unwrapped the book and presented it to the public. He addressed Holla as “the genuine champion of champions, a great motivator and a tower figure in every aspect of life.”
Holla then read a chapter from the book. After a rather moving session, Holla addressed the audience. She stressed the importance of positive thinking and said: “The worst disability is inferiority complex. Once you come out of it, you’ll see how beautiful the world is. My book may not be inspirational or motivational, but I want to pass on the message to everybody that the physically challenged are not lesser than anybody.”
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