Padmashree Malathi Holler

PADMA SREE MALATHI HOLLER

(I met this lady at Syndicate Bank, Bangalore. Malathi Holler – A Shining star of what firm determination and immense efforts can lead to overcome handicap and succeed in life. Having lost the senses below her hip due to Polio at the age of 2 and was left at Andhra Mahila Sabha without any hope of recovery – Malathi overcame her handicap by doing everything by sitting in wheel chair including car driving. A Star par excellence)

When Malathi received her Padma Sree award from the President of India in wheel chair
there were standing ovation from the distinguished guests. Behind this highest honor
there is a saga of hard struggles, frustrations, trials, disappointments and at last success.

Born at Bangalore Malathi had a very high temperature at the age of 2 and lost the
sensitivity below the hip. It was too late to cure (Many parents failed to give polio drops to their child immediately after it was born and it was left to the child to face the consequences of their negligence). Having failed to all types of treatment she was left to the care of Andhra Mahila Sabha at Madras- a Social service Organization for women. 17- years she lived there. She faced 25- operations. During her stay at the Mahila Sabha she realized that she has to live with the handicap and determined to accept and overcome it - The first turning point in her. She learned to move in – tri-cycle wheel chair.

She vigorously practiced Yoga and movement therapy. She emotionally used to tell that she gave her body untold suffering- by operations, exercises and so on –.
She returned to Bangalore in 1975 to study at Maharani College for Women and took her
degree. Although she used to feel about her handicap, she was determined to drive away that feeling and wanted to achieve something. She consoled within herself that she has every right to live happily and normally. She took the first step in joining Sports.

She took part in 100-meter, 200-meter race, discus throw, Javelin throw, Shot put and
swimming. She won 153 Gold medals, 18 Silver and 8- bronze medals in All India
Competitions. She is the National Champion since 1981. Syndicate Bank gave her Job at Bangalore under Sports Quota and with degree qualification at her side – She is a respected Officer of that Bank. Ever smiling and helping the needy Malathi is an asset to that Bank.

Malathi used to get up at 4.30 AM. The day starts with one hour warm up exercise. Then One hour Swimming. After returning from Office visit to the Handicapped Children
Home to cheer the boys and girls. Malathi feels there is no Coach in India for the handicapped (Paraplegics Games) In her case she had to practice herself. She participated in International event in 1988 at Korea. She came at 8th rank. She won 2-gold medals at Denmark in 1989.

She got Arjuna award in 1996, women of the year award from U.S.A in 99, Dasara
award, Rajyostava award from Karnataka Govt, Margatharisi award, Ekaliva award,
Prathibha Sree, Pathibha Rathna and so on.

Malathi is staying with her brother- who helped her in all her personal needs till she was able to do herself. She has not married. Malathi says that her handicap is God’s gift to her – otherwise she will be one among the millions and her life will be unnoticed. She says that it is important to achieve something in life- to achieve that- it is immaterial whether you are walking or running or in wheelchair.
She regrets that unlike in Foreign Countries- there are no separate lanes in the markets or in Public Places and Wheel Chair facilities or Rest rooms for handicapped persons.

Analysis:

In an earlier article I pointed out that handicap is only the body not the mind. Malathi proved that handicap is not in the body-provided you are willing to forget it and effectively used it to do whatever it can. Grim determination to succeed under adverse conditions and used the success and fame to help similar people is noble qualities, which are rare even in normal people to day.

· Life without achievement is a waste.
· Accept your handicap, forget it and proceed.
· Prepare to help similar persons.

I promised to bring case studies of Men and Women who have succeeded in their life by hard and determined work in spite of handicaps and obstacles. We salute this young lady for overcoming her handcap and rose to highest position in Banking circle.

with best wishes

Jagannathan