25 M.Com students attended a session by Padma Shri Dr. Deepa Malik, the first Indian woman Gold Medalist in Paralympic Games, at the 13th D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas on January 28, 2020 from 5 to 7 pm at Kala Academy, Panaji
Dr. Deepa Malik began the session by introducing herself; she spoke about her life, her struggles and achievements. It was very emotional at first as she did not live a normal life as a child, she had many health issues and she had to go through a series of surgeries. But she embraced it bravely and even her parents never gave up on her.
Deepa’s life took an unexpected turn in the year 1999. She was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Even after undergoing three surgeries, she was still left paralyzed below the waist. Since then Deepa is bound to a wheelchair, but the disability couldn’t cage her free spirit.
The phase was all the more difficult for the Malik family as Deepa’s husband was in Kargil then. Both husband and wife fought different wars and survived. Before the surgery, Deepa spoke to her husband. She told him that she will never be able to walk again. Her husband assured her that he will carry her in his arms all her life! This undying love and support from her husband as well as her family have given Deepa the strength to wade through all of life’s difficulties.
Deepa successfully handled a catering business for seven years. As a matter of fact, she became more liberated after the tragic turn of events. She was awarded the Swawlamban Award by the Maharashtra government for her independence. At the age of 36, Deepa surprisingly decided to pursue a career in sports! No social taboos or restricted mindsets could stop her. Today she has 58 national & 18 International medals to her credit!
The Paralympics games began in the year 1968. However, no Indian female athlete had participated in the games before Deepa. She became the first Indian woman to participate as well as win a medal in the Games in the year 2016. She made history by winning the silver medal in shot put.
Deepa is also a talented swimmer! Is there anything she hasn’t done! She swam a distance of one kilometer against the current in the river Yamuna in 2008. This achievement was registered in the Limca Book of Records.
Awards and Recognition
Padmashri Award, 2017
President Role Model Award, 2014
Arjuna Award, 2012
Maharashtra Chhatrapati Award, 2009-10
Haryana Karambhoomi Award, 2008
Swawlamban Puraskar Maharashtra, 2006
Limca World Records
Longest all India drive Chennai – Delhi (3278 Km), 2013
Driving Across Nine High Altitude Passes in Nine Days on Leh-Ladakh Highest Motorable Roads, 2011
Riding Special Bike, 2009
Her undying spirit and never say die attitude is something that students took from the session and realized that there is nothing that they cannot do if they put their mind to it.
