A Different Spirit: The Story of A Spirited Woman

A Different Spirit
The story of a spirited woman
As I grew up I realised that you need legs to run and wings to fly. I was hurt. But I didnt give up. I knew, one day, I would run... Malathi K. Holla
Malathi Holla- a living legend
Who is Malathi Holla?

Malathi Holla is definitely a role model to all lives. This woman, who was crippled as a toddler went on to prove it to the world that being physically handicapped does not mean the person also lacks mental strength. This strong-willed woman beat all odds in an effort to surpass her physical incapability and go on to conquer the world with her determination. She was struck by polio at the tender age of 1 but this did not deter the spirits of a girl who was perhaps born with an adventurous streak. She went on to become a Paralympics Gold medalist in multi sport events.
July 6th 1958- Malathi Holla is born in Bangalore
1960- She suffers a serious attack of polio at the tender age of one and a half years
1962- she was given shock treatment that gave her some movement
1975- participated in a sports competition in Bangalore for the first time 1979- participated at the international level in Denmark and won four gold medals
1996- conferred with the Arjuna award
2001- conferred with the Padma Shri
Founded and runs the Mathru foundation
Early Life
Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla was born on July 6, 1958 in Bangalore. Her father ran a small hotel, while her mother took care of their four children She was an active child like anyone else of her age. But she had a serious attack of polio with severe fever when she was one-and-ahalf years old. It resulted in her losing all senses below her neck which was all the time shaking. She was brought to Chennai for treatment at the Andhra Mahila Sabha, Adyar
Leading a normal life

Malathi Holla did her schooling from Andhra Mahila Sabha at Adyar During this period, she passed her school final examinations. She read in newspapers and magazines about the games and sports conducted for the physically-handicapped. Shot put and javelin throwing from a sitting position, wheelchair running and cycling competitions interested her to a great extent. In the meanwhile she even secured a
A new beginning
In 1975, on sighting a news article regarding sports competitions for the physically handicapped in Bangalore, She decided to participate. Here she won two gold medals In 1979 she won her first international medal at Denmark where she won a total of four gold medals for the country Her journey took her places and she amassed a large collection of gold medals from events held around the world.
The path to success

Her journey was an eternal one and her spirit was relentless. She was acclaimed as a great sportswoman who was able to face challenges successfully even though she was motionless below her hip. On the whole, she has collected 159 gold, 26 silver and five bronze medals in various competitions. She stands first as handicapped capturing maximum gold medals in sports competitions.
Awards and accolades

The K K Birla Foundation chose her for an
award in 1995 The Indian government honored this able woman with a disabled body by conferring the Arjuna Award in 1996. Five years after this, she was honored with the Padma Sri by President K R Narayanan in 2001. The Human Life Centre in USA acclaimed Malathi as the Best Woman in the same year.
Some interesting facts

She speaks, reads and writes 8 languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, English, Hindi, Tulu, Konkani and Marathi.) She has undergone 32 surgeries of which 27 were conducted when she was an infant The Cambridge University at London honored her as the best woman of the world in 1999.
Star speak
Malathi Holla has been a great inspirational and motivational soul to the sports fraternity. I am sure this biography will be an eye-opener for all. -Syed Kirmani (International Cricketer) I am really fortunate to have known Malathi for over 20 years now. Her unrelenting grit and determination are what make her different. Her biography will definitely touch many hearts. -Venkatesh Prasad (Bowling Coach, Indian Cricket Team)
Star Speak contd

Malathi Holla is the epitome of positivity in adversity. She is a national icon whose biography will inspire people to reach out for the stars the way she has. Pankaj Advani (World Billiards Champion) Malathi Holla is an inspiration and we all have a lot to learn from her. Her life story inspires me and I am sure that the biography, a tribute to her mental strength and determination, will inspire millions. Nisha Millet (Olympic Swimmer)
Anecdotes
It was a sports competition for the physicallyhandicapped at the national level. Malathi gave her name for wheelchair cycle competition for women. When the time came for the event, the organisers found that no one else other than Malathi had given name for that event. So they cancelled the event. Malathi was very much upset over the cancellation. Then to encourage her, the organizers asked her whether she could participate in the men's wheelchair cycle competition. She agreed. Her cycle ran with all speed and before she could realize what was happening, she reached the finishing point ahead of all other men competitors, securing first place
Mathru Foundation
The Mathru foundation is an institution which enables rehabilitation of paraplegic individuals founded by Malathi Holla. "Instill Self Confidence" is the motto of the Mathru Foundation and those within its fold. The focus of the Foundations activity is not on the disabled or the victim, but on the development of the persons abilities and their skills, to become a self reliant member of the society.
Things to learn
Positive attitude and Self confidence Malathi from a very young age found solace in sports and began winning accolades in sporting events. She looked at the brighter side of life and life smiled back at her
Her message
Her message to the world is as follows: Nothing is impossible. It is up to you create a positive attitude Instead of grumbling at her disabilities, she stood tall and strong only to fight her fears and emerge tougher then ever.

A Different Spirit: The Story of A Spirited Woman

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Different Spirit: The Story of A Spirited Woman

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Different Spirit: The Story of A Spirited Woman

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Different Spirit

The story of a spirited woman

Who is Malathi Holla?

July 6th 1958- Malathi Holla is born in Bangalore

1996- conferred with the Arjuna award

2001- conferred with the Padma Shri

Founded and runs the Mathru foundation

Leading a normal life

The path to success

Awards and accolades

Some interesting facts

Star Speak contd

You might also like