Author: Malini Chib
Year of Publication: 2011
No. of Pages: 197
Publisher: Sage
About the Book:
The book is an autobiography of Malini Chib, a woman who has cerebral palsy. Now a prolific writer and speaker, the book presents the trials and tribulations that Chib and her family faced through her growing up years. It is remarkable that given the little awareness of disability issues in India and probably in the world, back in the 1980s, the family did not give up in enabling her live an enriching life of dignity and independence to the degree possible.
When you read the book, if you have ever studied in higher education institutions in India, you would realise how many of the problems of access that she has faced still continue to plague higher educational institutions in India. The writing would repeatedly remind you of how insensitive “normal” people can be towards persons with disabilities. At times this insensitivity may stem from lack of awareness. At times, it is the sheer lack of exposure of engaging with persons with disabilities that leaves people with a sense of exasperation,
Nevertheless, it is a remarkable story of a woman who has all but made it. Issues of cognitive capacity and emotional needs have been extensively dealt with. Burning issues of the dis-empowerment of women with disabilities as also sexuality and disability have only been briefly touched upon. Maybe left for another book.
Final Analysis:
It is inspiring for all who can recognise the disabilities in themselves.
Favourite Quotes:
http://kitaabonmeinhulchal.blogspot.in/2015/12/one-little-finger-chib-malini.html