"Strength in One Hand", Meghna's Journey to Independence

By Dr Amita Bhakta (Independent Consultant)

This blog is the second in a four-part series which shares stories about cooking and energy from people with disabilities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. These stories are inspired by and are part of a new study led by Prabhat Education Foundation and myself. In this blog, I invite you to hear Meghna’s story about her journey to independence in cooking, entrepreneurship and beyond, following a life-changing accident. here is her story in her own words:

Family support and personal willpower are vital factors for moving forward in life. After living 26 years of life from birth, one incident completely changed my world. Following an accident, one of my hands had to be completely amputated. I had to not only recover physically but also relearn how to perform everyday tasks—just like a child would.

My name is Meghna Parikh, and today, I am an independent entrepreneur. I accepted the sudden twist life brought me and in doing so, I became empowered. My aim is simple: one should never give up without trying, everything is possible.

In 2009, I lost one of my hands completely. Yet today, I can not only manage my work, but also i can fulfil all household responsibilities. However, this wasn’t easy for me.

First and foremost, the mental support from my family became my strength. Second, it was my own willpower. I was determined to learn everything, and I committed myself to it. When it came to household work, help can be hired for some tasks, but cooking was a personal challenge. I didn’t want my family to suffer or struggle for food.

Learning to make rotis felt like being a 6 or 7-year-old child again. The shapes would come out all wrong initially, but with practice, not only I learned to make rotis, but I also mastered making bhakris, parathas, puris, and more with one hand. Now, I can even serve fresh rotis to five or six people at once.

Cutting vegetables was a bigger challenge—especially peeling them. Even today, I can’t peel certain vegetables by myself. My mother-in-law helps me with that. Holding the vegetable and peeling it with one hand is difficult. If there were a machine to help with that, it would be a great support. For chopping other vegetables, I use cutters and similar tools which make the task manageable. I also practiced using different kitchen appliances and gradually learned to operate them all with one hand.

When gas pipeline connections were introduced in our area, we prioritized getting one, because replacing cylinders and opening valves is difficult with one hand. Using the pipeline is easier. Even when the lighter doesn’t work, I’ve figured out how to light a matchstick by fitting the matchbox in one place. All these skills developed through practice. It all depends on how strong your will is.

Outside the household, I also began handling my father’s insurance work. Although my disability did cause some delays, I kept working. Additionally, I started a home business selling spices, wafers, and seasonal organic mangoes. I’ve hired people for support. Today, people in my Maninagar neighbourhood recognize me as the “spice and mango lady.”

I have gained proficiency in both personal and professional areas and become independent. However, there’s a difference between being born with a disability and acquiring one after living a ‘normal’ life for many years. I had to relearn everything I once knew. It wasn’t an easy time. My family stood by me, yet I still went through a phase of depression. But that too passed.

Technology definitely supports us in many ways, making life easier. Still, due to habits or lifestyle patterns, we often don’t adapt fully. For instance, I could have hired someone to cook, but I wanted my family to eat food made by my own hand. Even our mindset plays a role in these choices—like insisting on making a certain type of roti.

Today, I can cook food based on the preferences of each member of my household. Yes, sometimes I still need help from my mother-in-law, but I feel deeply satisfied knowing I’ve fulfilled all my responsibilities. I never let my one hand become an excuse.

I even learned to ride a two-wheeler and can manage all outside errands myself. Only when it comes to peeling vegetables or combing my hair, I need help. The desire to do everything ‘perfectly’ can put extra pressure on people in challenging situations like mine. Though I have 90% disability, I have no information about any government support schemes. I feel it’s important that I become informed about this.

All I want to say is—no one should ever have to face such a situation. But even if life places us in it, we must keep moving forward. Yes, there will be fatigue, but walking forward is the only way. It’s what will allow us to live with dignity and self-respect.

The full MECS report by Prabhat Education Foundation and Dr Amita Bhakta, ‘Energy, Disability and Everyday Life in Ahmedabad’ is available via this link.

************************************************************************************************************

Featured Image: Meghna Parikh presenting her cooking skills on a tray, Image copyright of Prabhat Education Foundation, India.