Notes English Kaveri Chapter 5 Class 9 CBSE Board

The World of Limitless Possibilities

1. INTRODUCTION

Topic: Paralympics — a global sporting event for athletes with disabilities.
Key idea: Paralympics goes beyond just winning medals. It challenges stereotypes and shows that people with disabilities can achieve extraordinary things.

Three types of disabilities in Paralympics:

• Locomotor (related to bones, joints, muscles)
• Sensory
• Intellectual

India’s Paralympic Journey:

• First participated: 1968
• First medal: 1972 (in swimming)

2. ABOUT DR. DEEPA MALIK

Who is she? Dr. Deepa Malik is a famous Indian Paralympian and one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally, as recognised by the International Paralympic Committee.

Awards received:

1. Khel Ratna Award
2. Arjuna Award
3. Padma Shri Award

3. HER JOURNEY (From the Interview)

The Tragedy:

• At age 29, she was diagnosed with a spine tumour
• She underwent surgery, but the result was devastating
• Doctors declared she would be paralysed waist down and wheelchair-bound for life

Her Choice: She had two options:

• Waste her life in regret (squander life in remorse)
• OR transform it into a world of limitless possibilities

She chose to fight and transform her life.

Switch to Para-Athletics:

• She had always loved sports and had been a swimmer
• She decided to switch to para-athletics

Breakthrough Moment:

• 2016 Rio Paralympic Games — won the Silver Medal in Shot-Put
• She described this as a moment of personal victory and a step toward changing perceptions

4. HER ‘FIRSTS’ (Historic Achievements)

1. First Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics
2. First Indian female Paralympics medallist across any sport

5. CHALLENGES SHE FACED

• Societal perceptions — people often underestimated her abilities
• Overcoming this required both physical strength and mental resilience
• She embraced challenges as opportunities to prove her capabilities
• Family support + personal fortitude helped her turn obstacles into stepping stones

6. IMPACT OF PARALYMPICS

According to Dr. Malik, Paralympics:

• Challenges stereotypes about disability
• Changes attitudes of society
• Breaks down preconceived notions when people witness the strength and skill of para-athletes
• Gave her a new lease of life
• Proved that people with disabilities can be as capable, if not more, than able-bodied individuals

Her philosophy: “Ability beyond disability”

7. HER ADVOCACY WORK

Dr. Malik strongly believes in:

1. Strengthening emotional health of persons with challenges
2. Empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities
3. Supporting people from lower socio-economic backgrounds
4. Providing equipment to para sportspersons
5. Organising disability sports awareness sessions in schools and colleges

Her goal: A society where everyone, regardless of ability, is treated with dignity and given a fair chance to succeed.

8. HER ADVICE TO ASPIRING INDIVIDUALS

“Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength.”

Key points of her advice:

• Surround yourself with a support system
• Believe in yourself
• Let your journey inspire others
• Remember: “Disability is not a limitation; it’s a unique strength waiting to be unleashed.”