“You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics.” – Charles Bukowski.

On the hot summer afternoon of 26 May 2002, 13-year-old Malvika Iyer’s life changed forever. A freak bomb blast would leave Malvika an amputee without control of her limbs. However, with a promising future seemingly taken away from her, Malvika did not despair. Instead, she faced all challenges head-first, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring millions along the way.

Today, Malvika is a Disability Rights activist and a motivational speaker. The 28-year-old has won numerous awards, been recognised by several media outlets, spoken at platforms like TedX and the UN, and is a member of UN Women (IANYD – Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development) and Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.

The Logical Indian recently spoke with Malvika. This is Malvika Iyer’s story – one of hard work, passion, and courage.

Beginnings

Though she was born in Tamil Nadu, Malvika grew up in Bikaner, Rajasthan. A Kathak enthusiast, she dreamt of becoming a professional Kathak dancer and an interior designer.

At the time of the accident, Malvika was in her 9th grade. “I still remember the time it happened – it was 1:15 in the afternoon. I was outside my house – we lived in a colony. At that time, I discovered that one of the jeans pocket was torn and hanging out.”

An ammunition depot in the locality had caught fire a few months ago. Therefore, there were many bomb pieces scattered in the area. Malvika found a piece in the garage. “I had the brilliant idea of applying Fevicol to the torn edges of my jeans to stick it back together. I went to the garage in search of a blunt object which I could use to apply pressure on the glued edges.”

Malvika picked up a grenade – though she had no idea that it was one – and went back to her room. The grenade would soon blow up in her hands. “I remember the time exactly: it was 1.15 pm in the afternoon. I took the grenade shell and jabbed it to the pocket. When I repeated the action, it exploded.”

The blast wrecked Malvika’s room. Her parents and guests initially assumed it was sound from the television. However, when they arrived in Malvika’s room, they were in for a rude shock. “The room was a mess, everything blown apart. And then there was me: I looked gory, with blood all over me. However, I was still conscious. My mother, on seeing me, screamed and came to my side. ‘Meri beti ki haath!’ I remember her exclaiming.”

Malvika was rushed to a hospital in a jeep. On the way, it came to light that the blast had wrecked not only Malvika’s hands, but also her legs. Malvika would lose 80% blood and 70% of nerve control over her limbs that day.

Somehow, Malvika struggled and survived that night. So began a long struggle. It would be a physical struggle and an emotional one as well – and one that Malvika had to largely fight on her own. What followed that fateful day was 2 years of surgeries, 18 months of being bedridden, and a life that posed challenges every single day.

“I wish no one has to go through what I went through those months,” Malvika says.

Recovery

Malvika and her family soon relocated to Chennai. She had missed out on over a year’s education and had lost control of her limbs.

Three months before the 10th grade finals, Malvika tied a rubber band to her arm and tried to write. Soon, she convinced her parents and joined a coaching centre.

“I was determined to catch up on my education. The people at the coaching centre were very supportive, and I had my parents to guide me all the way. In the months before my finals, all I did was study. The day of my examination, when I looked in the mirror with confidence, was the proudest day for my mother. I ended up scoring 483 out of 500 and securing a state rank.”

The result and Malvika’s hard work did not go unrecognized. Malvika became an overnight celebrity; virtually every major newspaper in the country carried Malvika’s story.

“And before I knew it, I met Dr Kalam. The media really encouraged me; they highlighted my story in a positive light. Soon, I joined regular school. I was hardworking – I had to be. I graduated in Economics from St Stephen’s and began interacting with more people.”

“I camouflaged my disabilities” The increased interaction and coverage also had a negative effect on Malvika. “I began feeling a little inferior about myself. I was not confident – most of the time, I camouflaged my disabilities. When I met new people I was terrified if they put forth their hands to shake mine. I began hiding my hands to avoid such situations because I did not want to relive what had happened to me, let alone discuss it with anyone. I tried to be normal but it was not possible because I was not normal. That phase, when I tried to fit in, was a very difficult one. It was some time before I fully understood that trying to be like everyone is futile. I…