01 · Explore
Introduction to the Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games represent a global celebration of resilience and extraordinary talent for athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
The term 'Paralympics' describes a major international multi-sport event involving athletes with a range of disabilities. These games go beyond mere competition; they serve to quell stereotypes and redefine what is possible for individuals who face physical or intellectual challenges. Modern para-athletes like Sheetal Devi, a para-archer honored with the Arjuna Award in January 2024, exemplify this spirit of defying odds.
The origin of the Paralympics can be traced back to 1948, when Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized the Stoke Mandeville Games for war veterans with spinal cord-related injuries in England. India's journey in the Paralympics began in 1968, with the first medal clinched in swimming in 1972. Modern Paralympics are held in the same city as the Olympic Games, following shortly after the main event.
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Who is Sheetal Devi and what award did she receive?
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Who is credited with the origin of the Paralympic movement?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 1, 2, 3, 18.
02 · Explore
Dr. Deepa Malik: A Story of Fortitude
Dr. Deepa Malik is a trailblazing Indian para-athlete whose life story serves as a testament to the power of choice and mental resilience.
At the age of 29, Dr. Malik was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Following surgery, she was told she would be bound to a wheelchair for life. Faced with this tragedy, she made a conscious decision not to squander her life in remorse but to transform it into a world of limitless possibilities. Her background as a swimmer provided a foundation for her transition into para-athletics.
Her breakthrough moment occurred at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, where she secured a silver medal in the shot-put event. This achievement was historic, as she became the first Indian female para-athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics. A recipient of the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Padma Shri Awards, she is also the first ever Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics. Her success is a testimony to her belief in 'ability beyond disability'.
Dr. Deepa Malik's Path to Victory
- 1
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with a spinal tumor at age 29, leading to paralysis from the waist down.
- 2
The Choice
Decided to transform her life rather than live in remorse or regret.
- 3
Transition
Switched from swimming to para-athletics to pursue her passion for sports.
- 4
Breakthrough
Won the silver medal in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
The sequence of events showing Dr. Malik's transformation from a life-changing diagnosis to international sporting success.
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Which prestigious awards has Dr. Deepa Malik received?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 3, 4, 5.
03 · Explore
Advocacy for Inclusivity
Beyond her medals, Dr. Deepa Malik has dedicated her life to advocating for disability rights and strengthening the emotional health of challenged individuals.
Dr. Malik views advocacy as an integral part of her mission. She works toward empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities and supports athletes from lower socio-economic backgrounds. She believes that sports have the extraordinary ability to change societal attitudes by showcasing the skill and competitive spirit of para-athletes, which breaks down preconceived notions.
A significant part of her work involves the youth, whom she calls the 'voice of tomorrow'. By organizing awareness sessions in schools and colleges, she aims to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity. She encourages those facing setbacks to view every obstacle as a stepping stone toward their goals.
| Term | Definition in Context |
|---|---|
| Inclusivity | Including everyone and treating them equally regardless of their physical or intellectual state. |
| Fortitude | The mental and emotional strength to face adversity or difficulty. |
| Advocating | Supporting or suggesting an idea or cause, such as disability rights. |
| Preconceived notions | Opinions formed about something before knowing the actual truth. |
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Why does Dr. Malik focus on advocacy in schools and colleges?
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04 · Explore
Language Study: Modals and Reported Speech
Understanding modal auxiliaries and the rules of reported speech is essential for effective communication and narrative analysis.
Modal auxiliaries are verbs that express functions like possibility, ability, or obligation. For example, 'could' can represent past ability (e.g., 'I could hear the audience'). In specific contexts, 'would' can function as a promise, as seen in the sentence 'I knew if I tried, I would win'. 'Should' is often used for advice or obligation.
Reported speech (or indirect speech) involves relaying what someone said without using their exact words. When converting from direct to reported speech, we typically remove quotation marks, add a linking word like 'that', and change the tense. For instance, 'I love sports' becomes 'She said that she loved sports'. Pronouns also shift to match the perspective of the reporter.
Converting Direct to Reported Speech
Direct: Dr. Malik said, "I decided to switch to para-athletics."
To convert this, we add 'that', change the pronoun 'I' to 'she', and shift the simple past 'decided' to the past perfect 'had decided'. Result: Dr. Malik said that she had decided to switch to para-athletics.
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In the sentence 'I knew if I tried, I would win', what is the function of the modal 'would'?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 12, 13, 14.