A woman who defied all odds in spite of a disability has once again emerged victorious as the first Indian writer to have her book honoured at Britain's House of Lords.
One Little Finger, by Malini Chib, 42, was released last December in India and told of her determination to drag herself past the limits of her condition and an indifferent society.
Audiences and readers have been inspired and touched by Malini's account of her life with cerebral palsy and a search for independence and identity.
Early this month, a book reading session hosted at the Women's Council of the House of Lords touched the hearts of more than 50 members who listened to excerpts from her book with rapt attention.
It was a privilege for the author as the event, held at the Cholmondeley Room which overlooks the Thames, was attended by Baroness Sreela Flather, Lady Kishwar Desai and other prominent members of London's social and literary circles.
New perspective
A month earlier, on May 16, Chib, a former student of the University of London, happily participated in an interactive book reading at their Drama Studio where her book was launched by Canadian Ambassador Donna Thompson.
Her student years in England, where she did her Master's degrees in Women's Studies and in Information Management from the London Metropolitan University, gave her a new perspective.
The independence and freedom that she found in the UK play a significant role in her story.
Indifference
Malini, who has cerebral palsy, has had to struggle with motor skills and speech, while managing day-to-day activities, as well as the apathy and indifference of people towards her and others who are disabled.
During her childhood and adult years, a lack of access to public places and people's attitudes ranging from indifference to annoyingly patronising became daily challenges. She learnt to type with her little finger and speak through the Lightwriter.
With the strong support of her mother Dr Mithu Alur, who founded Able Disabled All People Together (Adapt), she has successfully forged ahead in life.
As the founder and co-chairperson of Adapt rights group, Malini has been conducting sensitisation courses for individuals, parents, professionals and disabled activists.
At present, Malini works as senior events manager at the Oxford Book Store in Mumbai.
