Short Answer Questions
Q1: Who is Sheetal Devi and what honour did she receive?
Ans: Sheetal Devi is a para-archer who has shown remarkable skill and determination in sports. She was honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024, which recognises outstanding achievement in sports and inspires many students and athletes to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage.
Q2: What do the Paralympic Games celebrate?
Ans: The Paralympic Games celebrate resilience, determination, and the extraordinary talent of athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. These games highlight how athletes overcome challenges and perform exceptionally on a global stage, showing that abilities matter more than limitations in achieving success.
Q3: When did Bharat (India) first participate in the Paralympics and win its first medal?
Ans: Bharat (India) made its debut in the Paralympics in 1968. The country won its first medal in 1972 in swimming. Since then, Indian Paralympians have continued to bring honour and recognition to the nation through their achievements and inspiring performances in different sports events.
Q4: What major challenge did Dr. Deepa Malik face at the age of 29?
Ans: At the age of 29, Dr. Deepa Malik was diagnosed with a spinal tumour. She underwent surgery, but doctors informed her that she would remain bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life because she was paralysed from the waist down.
Q5: What decision did Dr. Deepa Malik make after her diagnosis?
Ans: After her diagnosis, Dr. Deepa Malik decided not to squander her life in remorse. Instead, she chose to transform her life into one filled with possibilities. This decision helped her move forward, face challenges bravely, and begin her inspiring journey in sports.
Q6: How did Dr. Deepa Malik begin her journey in sports?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik loved sports and had been a swimmer earlier. After her condition, she decided to switch to para-athletics. This decision marked the beginning of her Paralympics journey, where she worked hard and achieved success despite facing physical challenges.
Q7: What was Dr. Deepa Malik’s breakthrough moment?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik’s breakthrough moment came during the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. She secured a silver medal in the shot-put event. This achievement was not only a personal victory but also helped in changing people’s perceptions about individuals with disabilities.
Q8: What belief does Dr. Deepa Malik express about physical limitations?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik believes that physical limitations do not define a person’s potential. She strongly supports the idea of ‘ability beyond disability,’ showing that determination, effort, and confidence are more important than physical conditions in achieving success in life.
Q9: What role did family support play in Dr. Malik’s journey?
Ans: Family support played a very important role in Dr. Malik’s journey. Along with her own strength and determination, the encouragement and support from her family helped her overcome challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities, allowing her to achieve success in sports.
Q10: How do Paralympics help in changing societal attitudes?
Ans: Paralympics help change societal attitudes by showing the strength, skill, and determination of para-athletes. When people watch these athletes perform, their preconceived ideas about disabilities are challenged, leading to more respect, acceptance, and understanding in society.
Long Answer Questions
Q1: How did Dr. Deepa Malik overcome the challenges in her life?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik faced severe challenges after being diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the age of 29, which left her paralysed from the waist down. Instead of giving up, she chose to face her situation with courage and determination. She developed strong mental resilience and treated every obstacle as an opportunity to prove her abilities. With constant support from her family and her own inner strength, she transformed difficulties into stepping stones. She took up para-athletics and worked hard to achieve success despite her condition. Her positive attitude, perseverance, and belief in herself helped her overcome both physical and societal barriers, making her an inspiration to many.
Q2: Explain the importance of Paralympics in society.
Ans: The Paralympics play a significant role in society by showcasing the strength, determination, and talent of athletes with disabilities. These games challenge stereotypes and change people’s attitudes towards disability. When people witness para-athletes performing with confidence and excellence, they begin to understand that disability does not limit potential. The Paralympics promote inclusivity and equality by providing a global platform for such athletes. They also inspire individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams and lead independent lives. Overall, the Paralympics contribute to building a more accepting, respectful, and inclusive society.
Q3: What contributions has Dr. Deepa Malik made beyond sports?
Ans: Beyond her sporting achievements, Dr. Deepa Malik has made valuable contributions through her work in advocacy and inclusivity. She actively works to promote the emotional well-being of people with disabilities and empowers women through sports and adventure activities. She also supports individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds by providing them with necessary equipment and opportunities. Additionally, she organises awareness and advocacy sessions in schools and colleges to educate young people about inclusivity and disability rights. Her efforts aim to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and given equal opportunities to succeed.
Q4: What message does Dr. Deepa Malik give to people facing setbacks?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik gives a powerful message that every setback is an opportunity to prove one’s strength. She encourages people to face challenges with courage and determination instead of giving up. She advises individuals to believe in themselves, remain positive, and build a strong support system. According to her, disability or hardship is not a limitation but a unique strength that can be developed. Her message motivates people to overcome difficulties, push their boundaries, and continue striving towards their goals. This outlook helps individuals transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Q5: How does Dr. Deepa Malik’s journey reflect the idea of “limitless possibilities”?
Ans: Dr. Deepa Malik’s journey is a perfect example of “limitless possibilities.” After becoming paralysed due to a spinal tumour, she refused to let her condition define her life. Instead, she chose to rebuild her life with determination and courage. She entered para-athletics and achieved remarkable success, including winning a silver medal at the Paralympics. Her achievements show that physical limitations cannot restrict a person’s potential if they have strong willpower and confidence. She also contributed to society through advocacy and inclusivity. Her life proves that with perseverance, belief, and effort, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve great success.