Malvika Iyer: A girl who did not let a tragedy shatter her spirit

The International Women’s Day is dedicated to women. A woman plays many roles in her life, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister and many more. One such woman whose passion and valour is not unknown to the world is Malvika Iyer. 

She was only 13 years old when she lost both her hands in a bomb blast. She was bedridden for more than 2 years. She also had to undergo multiple surgeries. But all this did not break the will and spirit of Malvika. 

Three months before her class 10th final exams, she enrolled herself in a private coaching centre and topped the state with 97% marks. She was determined and inspired to be a motivational speaker and share her journey with the world. 

She suffered her injuries in 2002. On May 26, 2002 an ammunition depot caught fire and a grenade was found near her house. When she picked it up, it exploded. 

A year after the incident, she along with her mother moved to Chennai from Rajasthan. There she spent 6 months in surgery. 

Her aim is to make differently abled people inclusive in all spheres of life of the world. She is studying the negative attitude of youth towards differently abled people. 

In 2013, she was invited to speak at TEDxYouth@Chennai. She delivered important speeches at the United Nations in New York City, Norway, IIM Kozhikode, Indonesia, South Africa and Singapore. She highlighted the importance of inclusion of differently abled people in the society. She has also taken various sensitization workshops at schools, universities, Non-Profit Organizations and private establishments. 

For her bravery and will power, Malvika has received many accolades. In 2018, she received Nari Shakti Puruskar, the Highest Civilian Honor for Women for outstanding contribution to women’s empowerment. In 2020, she was selected by the current Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take over his social media account. She has also received Outstanding Model Student Award, REX Karmaveer Chakra Global Fellowship in 2014 and many more. 

Maliva is a role model for not just women but for the entire humanity, she is the live example of how will power plays the most important role in a person’s life. She did not let the unfortunate tragedy take control of her life. She was heartbroken and in pain. But she did not let any of this shatter her spirit. 

Maliva is inspiring people at an international level. She is spreading awareness and has become a role model for women. The story of her bravery touches every heart and soul.