One Little Finger - Malini Chib
[alert-success] One Little Finger
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One Little Finger by Malini Chib is a vivid and engaging recollection of Malini Chib's transformation from being labeled as a "permanent vegetable" to achieving global recognition as a scholar and activist. Chib's story is intriguing because of its reflection on 40 years of existing attitudes towards disability in India and England, spanning across two continents.
Malini Chib's life story demonstrates both her inner resolve and the significant influence that families have on defining the ambitions of young individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, it serves as evidence of the profound influence of the social model of disability on the experiences of those with disabilities.
This account of life history is called as One Little Finger because she typed her own story of more than 2,50,000 words by using her one little finger. It was first published in 2011 by SAGE Publications.
One Little Finger adheres to a conventional autobiographical format, offering a sequential account from birth to the present day. Malini chronicles her life in three distinct sections: Roots, Growing Up, A Slice of Freedom, and concludes with a short epilogue appropriately titled 'Reflections'.
The book highlights both Chib's personal experiences and accomplishments in academics and activism, as well as her family's historical involvement in creating special education programs and advancing disability rights in India.
The initial segment, Roots, commences with the narration of her birth in the year 1966, a time when there was less awareness and understanding regarding disability in India. During her birth, the umbilical cord became entangled around her neck, resulting in a blockage of oxygen supply to the brain. This resulted in the development of cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder characterized by challenges in movement and speech. Chib states:
The birth was hugely traumatic, and the pediatrician in charge kept repeating to himself 'it was a mistake - I should have carried out a caesarean... lets see if she survives... I am not sure if she will survive. at the most 27 hours. (3)
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder characterized by impaired motor skills, which result in difficulties with walking, talking, and eating. It does not inherently impact cognitive abilities. While a cure for this condition does not exist, early medical intervention, physiotherapy, and special education can significantly assist individuals in effectively managing their daily duties to varied degrees.
In India during the 1960s, there was very little knowledge or understanding about Cerebral palsy and its treatment. The doctors who evaluated Malini predicted that she would not live for long, and if she did, she would have severe disabilities for her whole life. Every doctors that she met discouraged her and talked negatively. She says:
Every doctor my parents met in India told them I would
be a vegetable and nothing could be done for me. The
doctors confidently told them that the damage to my
brain was irreversible. (5)
But Malini not only managed to live, but also flourished. Malini's unwavering determination, perseverance, resilience, and the power of her voice through books, made her to overcomer her physical limitations.
Chib considers herself fortunate as her parents were highly supportive and made every effort within their means. Chib recollects that her parents abandoned all their belongings and relocated to London to facilitate her therapy, where they remained. In addition, Chib receives support not just from her parents but also from other relatives. Her uncle, a physician at Royal Post Graduate College, maintained regular communication with prominent pediatricians at Ormond Street Hospital Cambridge.
Malini Chib chronicles her experiences in England. She remembers her time studying at two specific schools, especially Roger Ascham School and Cheyne Walk. She highlights the compassionate care and amicable attitude she experienced there. Malini has dedicated numerous pages to depict her exceptional and affectionate family. All of her family members have received a high level of education with an English heritage. According to her, her family has been a significant source of strength and support. The strong bond between her and her younger brother Nikhil, whom she lovingly refers to as 'Nick', is evident in the warmth they share. According to her, her mother Mithu Alur has consistently provided her with unwavering support. The divorce of her parents had resulted in profound anguish for the young Malini.
At approximately the age of seven, after her brother Nikhil's birth, her family relocated back to Bombay. During her childhood, she had emotional distress due to the unfavorable perception of others towards her in India. Chib strongly criticized Indian doctors and their approach towards disable persons. She believes that the England provides more support and accessibility for individuals with disabilities compared to India. She failed to have a normal
life despite her extraordinary IQ level of 120. She expressed this anguish by stating:
I knew that I was different and trapped in a dysfunctional
body, but did others realise that I had a mind, a spirit
separate from this body? ….Did they realize that my mind was normal? Did they consider thinking that my desires
were just the same as theirs? (54)
Dr. Mithu Alur, the mother of Malini Chib, was compelled to take action due to the lack of special schools in India. She has played a crucial role in fostering social awareness of disability in India. She did higher studies in special education and started a school named "Spastic Society of India" (SSI) in Bombay. On October 2nd, 1973 she started a center of special education with three children: Malini Chib, Imtiaz, Farhen Contracts. She also founded Society for Disability Studies on December 1st, 1998, which commenced the disability studies in India. Dr. Mithu Alur founded ADAPT - Able and Disable All People Together, a nonprofit society that currently operates autonomously in 16 Indian states. This organization serves to promote inclusivity and bridge the divide between able-bodied and disabled individuals at the community level. Dr. Mithu Alur played a pivotal role in the development of the Disability Act of 1995.
Malini discusses her schooling and college experiences. She received the most of her schooling in different specialized schools in both England and India. The book frequently explores the contrasting perspectives on disability between India and England. She remembers that it was at Thomas Delarue special school, England, where she acquired the skills to mature and become self-reliant, as well as to take on responsibilities. She returned to Bombay to attend St. Xavier's College, where she did her BA. Having studied in special schools, she found it difficult to adapt to the company of 'normal' students. She communicates only with a device called, "Canon Communicator".
Chib returned to England to do her Master degree in Gender Studies from the
University of London, with a specific focus on feminism. In 2005, Chib commenced her teaching career at an institute of Education. However, she encountered challenges as a result of her impairment, which once again hindered her progress. She resigned it and secured a position at a bookstore. Currently, she holds the position of an event manager at a bookstore in Bombay. Despite being employed, she continues to work as a disability activist, supporting individuals with disabilities throughout India.
On January 16, 2005, a significant event took place that enabled wheelchair competitors to participate in the regular chartered Mumbai marathon for the first time in India. Malini played a crucial role in it. She organizes empowerment workshops in Bombay, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. She is an advocator of the inclusion of disabled in normal
society. She also advocates to make our society and public buildings
disable friendly.
One Little Finger is not just an autobiography but also a social commentary on disability studies. The book also provides a social model of disability, which is highly relevant in our contemporary society. It challenges the notion that disability is a negative occurrence that can befall certain unfortunate individuals. It provides methods to eliminate the obstacles that limit the options available to those with disabilities. Malini Chib has provided great insight into the inner world of a speechless disabled individual.
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