Bangalore, Jan.10: Having been born without limbs twenty years ago, a U.S-based girl is exploring the art world to earn a dignified place for herself as an artist. She was abandoned at a local hospital in Manipal by her biological parents.

The hospital staff took care of the newborn and handed over to an orphanage from where she was adopted by a U.S-based couple that took her to their home at Bolivar, Missouri. She was christened as Minda Cox.

Cathy Cox, the adoptive mother, brought her up with maternal love. Minda was drawn to paintings and developed a deep liking for art. Today, she conducts painting exhibitions and art is her passion.

"I have got my inspiration from people and from books but I have loved it from the time when I was a child. I have my very first pictures of returning from India. I am trying to figure out a marker or pencil or drawing something. I am always dreaming and painting and I loved it since I was very young," said Minda Cox.

Holding a paintbrush between her neck and shoulder, Minda astonished many onlookers here recently by her skill during an informal gathering.  

"Minda’s determination is something that appeals me the most. She was to spend 8-10 hours a day on her art work. She doesn’t want to give me something that she doesn’t like herself. She practices a work at least four to five times till it is exactly what she wants it to be. She has worked so hard and been so successful. Her first painting exhibition sold all her 43 art works," said Emily Frost, teacher of Minda Cox.

Cathy Cox, Minda's mother says that she has grown to be an independent young woman. So much so, Minda herself sponsored this trip to her land of birth.    

"She is so independent. She always wanted to learn things to try things herself. She cooks. She takes complete care of herself. At home, she has an electronic wheel-chair where the seat raises and goes down to the floor, so she does anything. She goes to university, she is studying," said Cathy Cox, Minda’s mother.

Minda does not waste time brooding over her fate, rather looks ahead on a note of cheer as a optimum with an entirely positive focus.

Today, Minda Cox is a living inspiration for many girls. Truly, Minda Cox is an ambassador of hope for people having latent abilities. (ANI)