Malvika Kalani, a 14-year-old girl living in Kolkata, is a go-getter and stops, practically, at nothing. Not even her ailment, which rendered her lower body immobile, has dampened her spirit to outshine almost everything and everyone.

From paragliding to trekking, badminton to dancing, this girl stops at nothing. But, her real passion is dance. A differently-abled body is no hindrance to her.

"I enjoy swimming, dancing and a bit of badminton. I try to do as much as I can. I have tried trekking and rock climbing I enjoy adventure activities. Whenever we go out I really want to do the rides," said Malvika, with a beam of light illuminating from her eyes.

Her parents have tried everything under the sky to find a cure for their daughter's ailment. But, doctors told them that her spine deformity had no cure. Such patients can only be rehabilitated, the doctors said.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

DIFFERENT AND SPECIAL

Mamta Kalani, the mother of Malvika, said, "We came to know about her problems only after her birth. Previous tests did not tell anything. She has a spine deformity."

"We have consulted doctors from everywhere. Finally, we were told that she could not be cured. Rehabilitation is the only solution," said Mamta Kalani.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

WORKS LIKE ANY OTHER CHILD

Is Malvika given special treatment for being a differently able child? Her mother says, no.

"My behaviour was always normal with her. Just in the beginning, I was taken aback. After that I never felt she has an unusual condition. So, she was also normal. I was also normal," Mamta Kalani said.

What about the rehabilitation process that doctors recommend for a patient like her? Mamata Kalani says Malvika is as normal in her routine as any other child.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

"There is no compromise in rehabilitation. Her routine is like a normal child. She does everything. She goes to school, gets ready by herself and even takes out her own clothes," Mamta said.

ALL ALONE ON SCHOOL INCURSIONS

"Initially, when her school started, I used to feel as to how she would handle herself. But, I never used to show her that I was concerned. I tried my level best to make her strong so that she does everything on her own," Malvika's mother said.

As a small child, Malvika insisted on going out on school incursions. "Every year in school, there is an excursion. She used to insist. I never said 'no' to her rather said that we would think about it when the time was right," Mamta said.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

But, now that the apprehensions of her parents have been proved misplaced, Malvika goes out on her own.

Mamata Kalani explained saying, "She proved herself that she can manage on her own and now she goes on school trips as well without anyone's help like a normal child. I am very thankful to her friends, teachers and my family for being so supportive."

THE DANCING QUEEN

Malvika has a special place in her heart for dancing. She loves to dance in every possible situation- be it some relative's wedding or a dance competition, she makes it a point to participate and usually, Malvika steals the limelight.

Her mother Mamata says that even as a child, Malvika had a sense of beat and rhythm. At a family wedding function, Malvika danced for the first time on the stage.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

"She got a huge applaud there, says the proud mother. Everyone was so overwhelmed to see her dance, especially the way she danced," Mamta said.

"It's been 6-7 years since and now, she goes to dance classes like any other normal child. She carries on any activity that one can think of. She swims. She also goes for badminton classes," added Mamta.

(Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh) (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh)

Malvika is now an inspiration to all those, who feel that their differential ability can hinder their dreams. Of course, her parents have played a key role.