Interview with Extended & Enlarged Version of Ms. Malini Chib, Founder and Co-Chairperson of the ADAPT (Able Disabled All People Together) Rights Group.
Education: Institute of Education, University of London, UK / Currently doing a part-time Master’s in Women’s Studies, Mary Ward Centre, London, UK / City Lit. Adult Education College, London, UK / Introduction to script writing from the City Lit. College, London, UK (Certificate in Creative Writing) / Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK / Post-Graduate Diploma in Advanced Studies (P.D.A.S.), Concentrations: Publishing & Desk-Top Publishing, St. Xaviers College, Bombay, India, Bachelor Of Arts, Concentrations: Psychology & History, Thomas Delarue, Kent, UK, G.C.S.E. ‘O’ Levels, English Literature, English Language, Mathematics and History.
Author of the book: One Little Finger. One Little Finger is the autobiography of Malini Chib—a woman who defied all odds to emerge victorious in spite of a crippling disability and an indifferent society; who dragged herself out of the limits of her condition. This is the story of Malini’s search for independence and identity, and her zeal to live a full, meaningful life despite lifelong disability.
If you are looking for a quick shot of instant inspiration – you have to go and meet Malini Chib. If you want to grow from a very small base to a big base – go and see Malini Chib. If the whole situation of your life is looking hopeless and wrecked, do a coffee hour with Malini Chib and you will get up shaking hands with her and saying to yourself, ‘Jerk! Learn something from Malini!’ Additionally, if you happen to be quite mature and promising and in possession of a solid long-term approach to succeed in whatever you plan – then, all the more, take it like a serious assignment to get your copy of Malini’s book: One Little Finger, and grab the privilege to get the book duly signed by her.
One Little Finger is the autobiography of Malini Chib – a woman who defied all odds to emerge victorious inspite of a crippling disability and an indifferent society. Malini has Cerebral Palsy, a neurological condition, which makes body movements and speech extremely difficult. However, the cognitive functions of brain can often remain normal – as in the case of Malini. Despite, the lifelong crippling disability, prejudice, stigma – Malini has not only survived but triumphed in learning and mastering that life is to be lived to the fullest, no matter what comes our way. In my mind, there is no doubt that the lady in her forties is not only a brave soldier in spirit – she is a philosopher, too.
At her book-launch-event held in Mumbai recently, I became entirely convinced that Malini is the running theme of our spiritual books. To quote the author from her book, her words are: I think the art of living, lies not just in confronting our troubles but minimizing them and focusing on the positive aspects of life.
Today, Malini Chib stands tall as the Founder and Co-Chairperson of the ADAPT (Able Disabled All People Together) Rights Group. She holds International Master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Library Sciences and Information Management. Malini is also a freelance writer-activist and travels extensively in India and abroad. Malini is Senior Events Manager, Oxford Bookstore, Mumbai, India.
Q 1. What has been the turning point of your life?
A. St. Xavier College (Mumbai, India) and then my empowerment in London.
Q 2. If you could go back in time, what would you want to do?
A. My family always regrets the fact that we came back from England to India, because I could have developed more in England. To India, my Mother returned for pioneering services for children suffering from Cerebral Palsy. In India my development was slow.
Q 3. What are your future dreams?
A. To make India more accessible to the needs of individuals related with Cerebral Palsy.
Extended & Enlarged Interview of Ms. Malini Chib, Founder and Co-Chairperson of the ADAPT (Able Disabled All People Together) Rights Group.
Education: Institute of Education, University of London, UK / Currently doing a part-time Master’s in Women’s Studies, Mary Ward Centre, London, UK / City Lit. Adult Education College, London, UK / Introduction to script writing from the City Lit. College, London, UK (Certificate in Creative Writing) / Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK / Post-Graduate Diploma in Advanced Studies (P.D.A.S.), Concentrations: Publishing & Desk-Top Publishing, St. Xaviers College, Bombay, India, Bachelor Of Arts, Concentrations: Psychology & History, Thomas Delarue, Kent, UK, G.C.S.E. ‘O’ Levels, English Literature, English Language, Mathematics and History.
Q 1.In your view, what is most important in life? Accordingly, name three
aspects, important in life.
A. Love, compassion and honesty.
Q 2.If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?
A. I would be a nurse or a lawyer.
Q 3.What motivates you to achieve your goal?
A. To succeed just like anyone else... in the ‘able’ world. To be on par with the ‘able’ world – which is difficult when one is trapped in a disabled body.
Q 4.How do you handle stress and pressure?
A. Have a glass of wine, or, chatting with my friends.
Q 5.Which of your qualities would you want to pass down to your child / children?
A. Honesty and truth and discipline.
Q 6.Who is your favourite author? Which book of your favourite author have
you enjoyed the best?
A. Jane Austen’s two books: 1. Emma 2. Pride and Prejudice.
Q 7.What are you pursuing currently, by the way of a light hobby, or by the way of a serious goal?
A. I love reading and writing.
Q 8.In the last 1 year, is your particular goal advancing? Which is that
goal/dream?
A. Yes slowly, my goal is transpiring and evolving. But, writing needs time and space – away from the hum-drum of life.
For further information, check website: www.adaptssi.org/home.html
The diarist, Geeta Chhabra, took the interview in October 2010 & October 2013 for www.geetachhabra.com