The only Disability in life is a bad attitude | Malvika Iyer | TEDxIIMKozhikode

Summary

This inspiring narrative recounts the journey of a young girl who survived a devastating bomb blast at age 13, losing both hands and sustaining severe leg injuries. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, she chose to fight, not surrender. She pursued her education, excelled in her exams, and met the then President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who encouraged her spirit. She continued her education, worked with underprivileged children, and became a motivational speaker. She advocates for accessibility in fashion and challenges societal norms of beauty and 'normalcy,' embracing her own strength and resilience.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Start with what you have and never stop, as you don't know your true potential until you're tested.
• 💥 A traumatic event, like a bomb blast, can change one's life, but it's the resilience that defines the future.
• 🩹 Physical injuries and emotional trauma can be overwhelming, but acceptance is the first step towards healing.
• 💪 The decision to fight against adversity can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
• 🏆 Academic achievements, even under difficult circumstances, can be a turning point and a source of inspiration.
• 🤝 Meeting influential figures like a president can provide encouragement and direction for future endeavors.
• 🌟 Working with children and recognizing their unique talents can lead to a realization of one's purpose in life.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The support of family and friends is invaluable in overcoming life's challenges and achieving personal goals.
• 🚫 Society's focus on appearance can be limiting, but self-acceptance and happiness are more important than fitting in.
• 🗣️ Speaking about personal experiences can empower others and contribute positively to their lives.
• 👗 Advocating for accessibility in fashion and beyond can help create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in the speaker's life in 2002?

In 2002, the speaker survived a freak bomb blast caused by a fire in an ammunition depot, which resulted in the loss of her hands and significant damage to her legs.

How did the speaker's daily life change after the accident?

After the accident, the speaker had to face daily dressing changes due to her leg injuries, experience nerve paralysis and hypoesthesia, and accept the loss of her hands and the disfigurement of her legs.

What was the speaker's mindset while in the hospital?

The speaker decided to fight and not surrender to her situation, choosing to accept reality and not waste time wishing it to be different.

How did the speaker manage to participate in her 10th board examinations?

Despite being bedridden, the speaker prepared for her 10th board examinations and wrote them with the help of a writer, dictating her answers and learning diagrams.

What was the impact of the speaker's exam results on her life?

The speaker's excellent results, including a centum in maths and science, were life-changing, leading to an invitation from Dr. Kalam, the then president of India, to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

What career path did the speaker choose after her interaction with Dr. Kalam?

Inspired by Dr. Kalam, the speaker pursued a graduation degree in economics from St. Stephen's and later a master's in Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work.

How did the speaker's work with children influence her perspective on life?

Working with children, especially those with disabilities, made the speaker realize their unique capabilities and talents, leading her to understand the importance of recognizing and nurturing potential.

What role did the speaker's mother play in her journey?

The speaker's mother was a pillar of strength, always supportive and encouraging her to take on challenges, which was crucial in the speaker's healing and success.

How does the speaker view her disability and its impact on her life?

The speaker sees her disability as a superpower rather than a hindrance, and she has learned to accept herself and be happy, despite societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards.

What message does the speaker convey about facing challenges and moving forward?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself and one's circumstances, and not giving up in the face of challenges. She encourages others to walk into uncharted territory with confidence and joy.

How does the speaker advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in fashion?

The speaker participated as a showstopper in a fashion show promoting accessibility, wearing specially designed gowns that she could put on independently, highlighting the need for fashion to be inclusive for all, including differently-abled individuals.