Amazing World

An accident at a saw mill left an eight-year-old Amir Hussain Lone without his arms. For three years after, he struggled in a hospital as he recovered. However, from a time when people suggested to his father that he “get rid of him”, Amir has become a pride for his family.

From south Kashmir’s Bijbehara, Amir not only managed to make his feet double as his hands, but even learnt to swim and play cricket. Now 26, he is the captain of Jammu and Kashmir’s para cricket team.

“After the accident, people told my father that I will become a burden on him. I thought, no, I will not let that happen and decided to fight,” says Amir.

While he adopted his swimming style by imitating a duck, Amir practised to hold the bat between his chin and shoulder to hit the ball. Using the same two toes -- the big toe and second toe -- of his right foot with which he eats, writes and shaves, Amir delivers his “in and out-swings”. He, in fact, fares much better than many of his four-limbed peers.

“First I thought that he will have to be provided a lot of help, because, without arms, he won’t be able to do anything. But then he started to do everything by himself using his feet. And it was his amazing capacity to adapt and learn things without his arms,” said his father, Bashir Ahmad Lone, who remembered how some people advised him to abandon the boy.

“Immediately after the accident, people told me that he is of no use and that I should get rid of him. But I backed him all through this and even sold my agricultural land for his treatment,” said Bashir.

While Amir’s father struggled financially, Amir himself was trying to cope at school. A class 3 student at the time of the accident, he recalls how his teacher told him to go home. The general attitude of people towards him made Amir even more determined to do well in life.

He studied till college level where a teacher discovered his cricketing talent and introduced him to para cricket. Steely reserve and practice eventually made him team captain. It also made him a mini celebrity among his friends and family.

“Whenever life pushes me down, I remember the struggle and success of Amir. He is a real inspiration,” said a friend from Amir’s village.

For Amir however, things will never be easy. And he rues the government’s lack of industry in improving conditions for people like him.

“The government is neither serious about the welfare of the disabled nor is it concerned about the promotion of para cricket in the state. Our para team is not provided with a coach. I teach my players myself,” he said, adding that he will continue with the sport as any other job would be hard to land at this point. Amir hopes to eventually get a job under the sports or disability quota so he can better concentrate on his game.

The mall used to be a place to pick up a pair of khakis. But now, many malls have had some "work done" . . . facelifts, renovations and major makeovers, aimed at seducing high-end shoppers. This trend has freshened up retail with an overwhelming selection of top-tier global brands. In fact, today's "luxury malls" are providing services worthy of the finest five-star hotels, including concierges who'll get tickets and book restaurants; personal shoppers; exclusive lounges; and fine dining options.

A shopper used to have to travel overseas to purchase the finest French and Italian designer shoes, handbags and clothing, but now the best luxury malls in America rival world-class shopping avenues in Paris and Milan. There's no passport required, however, and there's plenty of valet parking, so this is a great time to start experiencing shopping like a VIP.

BEVERLY CENTER, LOS ANGELES

Lucky shoppers who can afford to splurge have a wealth of options when it comes to luxury malls in america. The Beverly Center in Los Angeles frequently hosts celebrity events, so you never know who you'll rub elbows with while shopping

Beverly Center is situated in star-studded Los Angeles, so expect some Hollywood glamour, diva-type amenities and lots of celebrity-hosted events. Their concierge can arrange for a car or limo service, or drive into the Grand Valet and go express direct to Level 7, called the Luxury Wing. There's shopping assistance in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and six other languages, and 100 stores accept the Union Pay card used by international clients. Personal stylists who often work for top celebrities are available to shop with or style you. If you've shopped until you're ready to drop, Beverly Center can even arrange the Penthouse Suite at the elegant Sofitel Hotel, right next door.

Shop: Saint Laurent, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace Collection, Halston Heritage and Salvatore Ferragamo.

THE SHOPS AT CRYSTALS AT CITYCENTER, LAS VEGAS

Expect over-the-top style with your shopping in Las Vegas. The Shops at Crystals at CityCenter look like a 21st century park with a flower carpet, ice sculptures, a multi-faceted glass canopy and a three-story sculptural Tree House – every time you visit it's a new, interactive experience. World-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's dynamic glass sculptures add to the excitement, along with rotating fashion exhibits. The exceptional concierge service can secure reservations at restaurants and shows within the MGM Resorts International collection and personal shoppers will bring the latest to you. With an accent on sustainability -- it's the world's largest LEED Gold certified retail district -- they offer electric vehicle charging within the complimentary 24-hour valet. The largest Louis Vuitton store in North America is here, plus more high-end flagship stores than any other shopping center in America.

Shop: Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, H. Stern, Bulgari, Cartier, Tom Ford, Emilio Pucci, Marni, Lanvin and Tourbillon.

SOUTH COAST PLAZA, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF.

South Coast Plaza, in upscale Orange County, beckons you to relax and shop in style in their Access Lounge. The elegantly decorated VIP shopping suite -- with a Zen room for her and a flat screen TV for him -- features complimentary champagne and refreshments. Their dedicated concierge can make reservations for restaurants and theaters, and their stylists assist international clients in Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and Farsi. Many of their boutiques will take merchandise along with a tailor off-site to accommodate guests staying at nearby luxury resorts.

Shop: Calypso St. Barth, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, La Perla, Roger Vivier, Patek Philippe, Valentino.

THE SHOPS AT BRAVERN, BELLEVUE, WASH.

A jewel nestled in Seattle's wealthy Bellevue section, The Shops at Bravern is the destination for the young, entrepreneurial tech community looking to upgrade their casual style. This outdoor, European-inspired village with inside and outside fireplaces even welcomes shoppers' dogs. An outpost of New York's David Barton Gym is on-site so you can work out with a trainer. Afterwards, get pampered with a deluxe spa treatment at the Red Door Spa. Finish off the night at Wild Ginger, one of Seattle's top five restaurants.

Shop: Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Neiman Marcus, Wolford, Louis Vuitton and David Lawrence Boutique, who carries labels Viktor & Rolf and Hervé Léger.

AMERICANA MANHASSET, MANHASSET, N.Y.

Designed by internationally acclaimed "starchitect" Peter Marino, Americana Manhasset is on the tony North Shore of Long Island, only 20 minutes from New York City. Worlds away from a concrete box, the modern glass buildings in the open air are surrounded by seasonally landscaped gardens. Unlike other malls, there are no department stores here.

Settle into the private shopping suite to review clothing, get a wardrobe consult, or partake of custom tailoring; a personal shopper has access to every label in every store. The one-of-a-kind 14,000 square foot Hirschleifers multi-brand boutique satisfies even the most demanding fashionista.

Shop with an Italian slant: Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Bottega Veneta, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Loro Piana, Prada ... then stop off at the Cipollini Trattoria & Bar.

BAL HARBOUR SHOPS, BAL HARBOUR, FLA.

The exclusive shops in Florida's sunny Bal Harbour are nestled in between koi ponds and palm trees. Famous for their concept stores, one-of-a-kind merchandise and limited edition items, Bal Harbour tantalizes shoppers with a constantly updated website. Consumers literally fly in from all over the world to peruse the high-fashion goods here, often having been titillated by Bal Harbour magazine, a trend-packed fashion glossy which promotes the mall and its luminary designers.

The Neiman Marcus store and the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort have just partnered to provide a unique "Closet Service" where guests can have wardrobe pieces pre-selected especially for them; they can expect to find the items in their room upon check-in.

Shop: Moncler, Alexander McQueen, Piaget, de Grisogono, Graff, Versace, Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Roberto Cavalli, the new Chanel boutique.

SANTA MONICA PLACE, SANTA MONICA, CALIF.

If you like to shop inhaling fresh sea air, two blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Place is perfect. The third floor open-air rooftop deck features "The Market" a gourmet, artisanal delight of local and organic food offerings. There's even a raw food restaurant. You may want to catch a professional level class at the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories should you tire of shopping. A money exchange buys and sells more than 80 currencies and their concierge can book tours and sporting events.

Shop: Louis Vuitton, Kitson, Burberry, Ted Baker London, Tiffany & Co., Barney's CO-OP, All Saints Spitalfields.