HarperCollins India has proudly announced the upcoming publication of ‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’, a memoir by India’s most celebrated para-athlete, Dr. Deepa Malik. This remarkable autobiography promises to provide readers with an unfiltered view of her extraordinary life, her relentless pursuit of success, and her unyielding determination to overcome challenges.
About the Author: Dr. Deepa Malik
India’s First Female Paralympic Medalist
Deepa Malik is a name synonymous with inspiration and resilience. She made history as India’s first-ever female Paralympic medalist, winning a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Her career as a para-athlete is decorated with 23 international medals, and she has received some of the country’s most prestigious honors, including:
- Padma Shri
- Khel Ratna Award
- Arjuna Award
A Multi-Talented Icon
Deepa Malik is not only a record-breaking para-athlete but also a pioneering paraplegic swimmer, biker, and car rallyist. She holds four Limca World Records for her unparalleled achievements in sports and adventure, proving that physical limitations are no barrier to success.
A Leader and Advocate for Para Sports
Dr. Malik has held influential roles in promoting para-sports in India and globally:
- She served as the first female president of the Paralympic Committee of India.
- She is currently the South Asian region representative on the executive board of the Asian Paralympic Committee, making her the first Indian woman and former para-athlete to hold this prestigious position.
Awards and Honors
Deepa Malik’s contributions to sports and society have been recognized with several awards, including the Asian Order, the highest honor in the para-sports ecosystem in Asia, and three honorary doctorates, commemorating her dedication to empowering the differently abled and advancing the sports community.
About the Book: BRING IT ON
‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’ is not just a memoir; it is a manifesto of courage, hope, and determination.
A Journey of Triumph Over Adversity
In her book, Deepa Malik recounts the incredible challenges she has faced, including:
- Surviving spinal tumors three times, an ordeal that left her paralyzed from the waist down.
- Confronting patriarchy and the politics of sports, which often serve as barriers to progress.
- Battling the stigma and pettiness that society often reserves for the differently abled.
Rather than seeing herself as a victim of her circumstances, Deepa identifies as ‘wheelchair-liberated’, rejecting the term ‘wheelchair-bound’. She demonstrates how the wheelchair became a symbol of freedom and possibility, not limitation.
Themes of the Memoir
- Overcoming Impossible Odds: Deepa Malik’s story exemplifies the power of the human spirit. Her journey redefines the word ‘impossible’, showcasing that it is, as she puts it, “just an opinion.”
- A Candid Look at Life: The memoir provides a no-holds-barred account of her life, from personal struggles to professional triumphs. It reveals the mental strength required to navigate the complex landscape of para-sports and society’s expectations.
- Fighting Stereotypes: Deepa Malik has fought against deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, proving that women, especially differently abled women, can excel in any field they choose.
- Inspiration for All: ‘BRING IT ON’ is not just for sports enthusiasts or the differently abled. It is a universal story that will ignite and inspire readers from all walks of life to confront their challenges head-on and emerge victorious.
Highlights of Deepa Malik’s Philosophy
- From Bound to Liberated: Deepa redefines the narrative of disability, emphasizing that limitations exist only in the mind.
- A Powerhouse of Possibilities: Her life serves as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, resilience, and vision.
- Mental Fortitude: The memoir delves into the mindset of a para-athlete, offering a glimpse into the courage required to compete and succeed on the global stage.
Why ‘BRING IT ON’ is a Must-Read
- Inspiring Life Lessons: Deepa’s journey provides life lessons that are both empowering and transformative.
- Breaking Barriers: The book challenges societal norms, urging readers to think beyond stereotypes.
- Unwavering Resilience: It highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, making it a guide for anyone facing life’s challenges.
Summary of the News: ‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’
Category | Details |
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Why in News | HarperCollins India announces the upcoming publication of ‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’, a memoir by Dr. Deepa Malik. |
About the Author | Dr. Deepa Malik: India’s most celebrated para-athlete and first female Paralympic medalist. |
Achievements | – Won a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.- Earned 23 international medals.- Recipient of Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Award, and Arjuna Award. |
Multi-Talented Icon | – First Indian paraplegic swimmer, biker, and car rallyist.- Holder of four Limca World Records. |
Leadership Roles | – Served as first female president of the Paralympic Committee of India.- South Asian representative on the executive board of the Asian Paralympic Committee (first Indian woman). |
Additional Honors | – Awarded Asian Order, the highest para-sports honor in Asia.- Received three honorary doctorates for contributions to sports and society. |
About the Book | ‘BRING IT ON’ is a memoir that recounts Dr. Malik’s life journey, highlighting her challenges, triumphs, and resilience. |
Themes in the Memoir | – Overcoming adversity: Survived spinal tumors thrice and defied societal norms.- Empowerment: Redefined “disability” as “wheelchair-liberated” rather than “wheelchair-bound.”- Breaking stereotypes: Advocated for women and the differently abled to excel in all fields. |
Philosophy Highlights | – Mental strength: Showcased resilience and determination.- Possibilities: Inspired others to view limitations as opportunities. |
Why It’s a Must-Read | – Provides inspirational life lessons.- Challenges societal stereotypes.- Highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. |