Review
‘Sports, like music, has the power to break barriers, to unite, to build, to inspire, to go where nobody has gone before. Madhavi Latha’s life is a testimony to this and more.Â
A national para swimming champion empowering sports-persons across the spectrum, Madhavi’s legacy is one of strength, grace and perseverance. As founding general secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Paralympic Swimming Association, Madhavi has introduced more than 300 individuals with disabilities to swimming―people who’ve gone on to compete at both the national and international levels. She has even co-founded the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India (WBFI). Recently, both the Indian men and women’s teams from WBFI participated in the Asia Oceania Zone Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Qualifiers, levelling the bar for sportspersons across the globe. Madhavi also leads the WBFI’s mentorship programme which enables basketball players with disabilities to realize their dreams and ambitions beyond the court. More power to you, Madhavi!’ -- A. R. Rahman ― Grammy and Academy Award Winning Indian Musician
‘Pleasant, positive, passionate and persevering are inadequate to describe Madhavi Latha’s unique personality. Her continuing saga of high achievement, despite all odds, is a shining example of determination and dedication towards any cause she takes up, be it in sports or her professional work in the corporate world. While she continues her selfless journey of encouraging and inspiring more people, we must remember and offer our salutations to her fine family, who have helped in her progress. Madhavi Latha has indeed shown the world that true sincerity of purpose and ability count, always. Long may it continue.’ -- M. M. Murugappan ― Executive Chairman, Murugappa Group
‘Madhavi’s story is one of perseverance, commitment to a spirit of service and unshakable confidence in her own potential and that of people with physical disabilities across India. Throughout her life, she has defied the odds and the expectations of her society while ensuring that others who face similar obstacles have the opportunity to do the same. Her endeavours in disability sport shine a light on how each of us can find pathways to success, no matter what barriers stand in our way.’ -- Jess Markt ― Disability Sport and Inclusion Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Boulder, USA
‘During my long years of association with Madhavi, I found her to be an exemplary leader―inspirational, encouraging, educative and purposeful. This book, which is a treasure trove of Madhavi’s life learnings, is an inspiration for all of us to chase our cherished dreams by focusing on the art of the possible, or should I say, impossible! It is also a loud reminder that infirmities are only in our mind and we should never short human imagination and willpower. Truly unputdownable!’ -- Ramkumar Ramamoorthy ― Pro Vice-chancellor, Krea University; former CMD, Cognizant India
‘Madhavi Latha’s story is one of great courage and an inspiring lesson for many. Having had the privilege of knowing her for many years, I have been fortunate to have seen her determination and great optimism in the face of overwhelming odds. An enthusiasm and zest for life itself and all that it offers has been the feature of all that she is doing, whether it be swimming, wheelchair basketball or indeed all her other efforts to help the persons with disabilities. This book will be a lesson for us on how adversity can be overcome and on how no mountain is too difficult to climb.’ -- Dr Sumanth C. Raman ― Sports Commentator, TV Anchor and Doctor
About the Author
Madhavi Latha Prathigudupu is an Associate Vice President in a MNC Bank Group, a former national Para Swimming Champion, the Founder General Secretary of the Paralympic Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu and the Founder President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India. She founded the ‘YES WE TOO CAN’ movement to encourage persons with disabilities to participate in sports.
She is a TEDx speaker. She is also a toastmaster and worked as President for the Toastmasters Club in her organization. She led 15-member team of Indian Wheelchair Basketball administrators and coaches to USA on a Sports Visitor Program.
Madhavi Latha has spoken at various prestigious platforms like the LBSNAA, Mussoorie, Indian Red Cross Society, National Association for the Blind, Times of India Global Sports Business Show 2017, IIT Madras, IIM, Indore, Tedx events and several corporate events. She has served as a panelist for events organized by the British Deputy High Commission, Madras Chamber of Commerce Women′s Day celebrations, India CSR Summit, Australian Consul General for South India, Disability Inclusive Roundtable etc. Her efforts and achievements have been covered widely by the print and electronic media.
She was also part of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards selection committee in 2017.
