Look Ma, No Hands!

by Vikram Agnihotri and illustrated by George Emmanual with design by Satwik Gade

“Look Ma, No Hands!” by Vikram Agnihotri and illustrated by George Emmanual with design by Satwik Gade. Published by Tulika. A true story about the unwavering spirit of a real life superhero narrated in his own words.

The story starts off with an exciting and nail biting last race of the final stage of the iconic Desert Storm 2018 car rally. Vikram is at the wheel with his navigator Mylo directing him. They are zooming past the dunes when their car gets stuck in a patch of loose sand. Time is slipping away as they try to get it out of there. They do manage to get a podium finish as the second runners up! What a nail biting finish in their first attempt! This is a childhood dream that has come true for Vikram. Vikram has created history by becoming India’s first double arm amputee to get a car driving licence and then becoming a professional rally driver!

Ever since he lost both his arms at the age of seven in a terrible accident, he has moved on in life with great determination and spirit with the constant support and cheer of his family. His mother especially stood like a pillar of support and motivating him at every stage of his life. The willingness to give everything a try that he is interested in and focusing on what strengths he has instead of what he doesn’t made a paradigm shift in his attitude towards everything in life. Read this awe inspiring book to know more about this superhero’s journey.

My 8.5 year old and I couldn’t stop admiring Vikram as we read the story. My son has been influenced by the story so much that he has gone and told the story to his teacher at school who had once told them about a blind girl in her class when she was studying. He is now looking forward to meeting Vikram in person at the Bangalore Literature Festival happening this weekend. Such an inspirational person! One cannot help feeling respect, admiration and a sense of pride at what he has achieved. His parents took such bold and pathbreaking decisions when it came to things that he could do. They did not want to feel sorry for him and enrol him into a special school. Instead he went to a normal school with his brother. They wanted him to lead as normal a life as possible and did not expect any special privileges for him. They were there watching out for him but let him be self reliant. This boosted his morale and self-confidence very well. He is now part of a foundation called WiL (Winners in Life) which helps the differently abled people become winners in life. And that’s what he is. A true winner undoubtedly!

The narrative is simple and heartfelt without any expectation of sympathy whatsoever. And all this mind you from an era where the word inclusion was unheard of. This book is definitely a MUST READ and deserves to be on every child’s shelf. The book is in graphic format which serves well given that it is a superhero’s story no less. The graphical illustrations and design are very impressive and enhance the reading experience. Just as we were missing reading books from Tulika whose main focus is on younger children’s books, we heard of their launch of the new Tulika Graphix books for children in the age group of 8 and above. This book caught my attention and we had to get it :)

Recommended Age

The book is apt for anyone aged 8 and above.

Reasons to Read

For an extraordinary and awe inspiring story of a real life superhero which will make the children realise to value what they have and not give up trying despite insurmountable odds.

Where to buy from?

1. The publishers Tulika Books here.

2. An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.