Everything Under The Sun: Grit And Determination

Friday, December 19, 2014

Grit And Determination

Malvika Iyer

There was nothing highly unusual about Malvika Ayer's early life. But then came May 26, 2002, when Malvika was 13 years, living with her family in Rajasthan, India. There had been a fire at a local ammunition depot a few months previously, which scattered shells, grenades and other types of shrapnel throughout the area. Malvika was out playing and she picked up a heavy piece of metal to bang on something she was carrying in her pocket. Only, what she had picked up was an armed shell, and it exploded, shattering this young girl's life.

Immediately, Malvika lost both of her hands and her legs were badly damaged. She lost 80% of her blood supply; her life hung in the balance. She was rushed to the nearest hospital, where it was noticed that her left leg was just attached by skin and some tissue. The doctors knew that they couldn't save her legs, so she was rushed by ambulance to a better-equipped hospital in Jaipur, where they managed to do just that.

However, the surgeons were unable to restore feeling to her left leg and she couldn't flex her right foot. And then there was her missing hands. She had a long way to go to rehabilitate. It took an entire year before she took her first steps. Luckily, she was able to get state-of-the-art prostheses for her arms, thanks to a branch of OTTOBOCK, in Chennai.

Then there was the business of everyday life, the education she needed to move forward. With the assistance of a friend, Malvika prepared for the 10th board exams and passed with flying colors. She was becoming an inspiration for others in India with disabilities. She met with the then President of India Dr AJP Abdul Kalam.

Going further, Malvika received her Bachelor's degree from St. Stephen's College in Economics, then completed her Master's in Social Work at the Delhi School of Social Work. Although she started out with feeling her limitations and wishing things were better for her, she began to see what she did have and could accomplish. She credits the support of her friends and family, especially her mother, for keeping her positive and helping her to move forward.

Yes, there are other things that Malvika has done. She is currently a Junior Research Fellow and pursuing her PhD in Social Work at the Madras School of Social Work, with an interest in inclusion into society of those differently abled. She has modeled accessible clothing lines, and has even hosted a running event in Bangalore, making all the arrangements without any special assistance. The world, indeed, looks good for this inspiring young woman, who has overcome challenges that would have been daunting for most other people.