In the face of hardships, we have two choices. To either give up and let the negativities grow or to get up and fight. Back in 1966, when doctors told Mithu Aloor that her one-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with acute cerebral palsy, had only 72 hours to live, she did not lose hope so easily. It was the determination of this lady that gave us Malini Chib, a disability rights activist, whose much appreciated book 'One Little Finger' was made into the movie, Margarita with a straw, starring Kalki Kolechin. Today, 50-year-old Malini Chib is an inspiration for everyone who thinks that a person's disability comes in the way of achieving big things in life. Due to lack of oxygen during birth, Malini was diagnosed with an acute cerebral palsy. It's a neurological condition which causes impairment of movement and speech. But a person's intellect and the ability to reason remain unaffected. Because India is not a disabled-friendly country, Malini's parents flew her to England, where she was admitted to one of the best special needs schools. Her mother also took up a training programme in special education from London University.

"I have had a hard time accepting that I am trapped in a rejected body. A body that is not sexually attractive. Like most women, sometimes I craved to be in the arms of a man. Most men look at me as asexual."

Malini has come a long way, fighting for her individuality and the prejudices of society. As an academic, a lecturer, a writer and a researcher, she conducts empowerment sessions, making people and the government sensitive towards the needs of the differently-abled.

These days, the super woman is busy writing her next book- London On A Wheelchair. And we are sure it's going to be just as amazing as the first one.