My parents tell me I had the most beautiful eyes. When I was three though, something started going wrong with them. Doctors said it was glaucoma and I underwent an operation in my right eye. Soon after, my parents noticed that my right eye had some discharge coming out of it. When they contacted the doctor, he said it was normal but within a few days, my right eye completely disappeared and they rushed me back to the hospital. But I had already lost my right eye. The doctor immediately performed surgery to stop the infection from spreading. If he hadn’t been negligent, maybe we could have saved my right eye. By the time I turned 5, I had undergone six operations. With 20% vision left in my left eye, I was told to be very careful to make sure I did not lose it.
As a child, I went to a mainstream school. My twin sister was in the same class so it saved me from a fair bit of teasing and peer pressure. In Class 8, my school asked me to leave since they did not have the provisions necessary for a visually impaired student. My mother found out I could write my exams privately. That was the start of my education journey. I studied in private and gave exams with help of a scribe.
In 10th standard, I scored 80%. In Class 12, I scored 76%. I studied for college through correspondence and even translated my own college books from Hindi to English. I even did my Masters in English Literature. I learnt Braille, typing, computers, English, guitar – all on my own. When I got introduced to the miracle of a screen reader which reads everything on the screen, I learnt it on my own.
My friends, twin sister and my brother left the place Naya Nangal for better opportunities. I decided not to. I wanted to stay back and raise awareness about disability and the opportunities technology has to offer. I did not want another child to go through the things I did. I have faced and still face a lot of discrimination. In parties, people wish my sister and brother but ignore me. When relatives visit home, they inquire about my sister’s wedding but seldom ask about mine, even if I am right next to her. Recently, I was asked not to enter the karate class, though I was paying twice the fee and had already secured a green belt. One day, I know I will get the black belt and train other visually impaired girls.
When someone says, I can’t, I go ahead and do it. Today, I work as an RJ, a senior content writer sitting right in my house, and conduct Sensitisation Sessions in the schools around my area on issues of disability. I even did paragliding in Kullu Manali and hope to travel by myself to different places one day. Today, I can confidently say – even though I am visually impaired, the world is a beautiful place!
Divya Sharma
Being You © 2017
You are brave. Do not stop being so! I am having eye surgery soon, but it should be successful. Best to you!
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Thank you so much. I wish you all the best for your surgery. Take care!
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Thank you!
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” the world is a beautiful place ” superb unfortunately many people didnt realize that hatsoff mam
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Thank you. There are beautiful souls too. ☺️
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Wow, you have an incredible journey! I was also born with a disability and really believe in never giving up and persevering. Check out my blog on disability https://theoneandonly346255562.wordpress.com/
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Thank you for the uplifting words. I will definitely read your blog. ☺️
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[…] via My story covered by BeingYou! Link is given in the end. — My Take On Disability […]
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Your words are quite motivating. I am glad that you never gave up on your self.
Though many try to hold you back but you kept moving forward! Saslute to you!
Thank to your sis Kavya because if I would have not followed her I could have never come accross your blog but unfortunately I have been blocked by wordpress. I am unable to follow your blog! 😦 😦
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Ah, thank you for these words. I really appreciate it. ☺️☺️
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Your most welcome, Keep rising and shining! 🙂 ❤
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Reblogged this on In the World of Thoughts and commented:
An inspiration for everyone.
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Thank you so much. ☺️
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A wonderfully written and beautifully encouraging post. Thank you for sharing.🌹🌺
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Thank you Mr. Mel. ☺️
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Lovely to meet you and thanks for the follow. I look forward to following your posts. You are so inspiring! Blessings, Anita.
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Thank you so much anita. I am happy to hear from you. 🙂
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Divya, wonderful to meet you and I am glad you visited my blog
so I could hear your inspiring story. I say inspiring as you,
against such odds, stood up and took charge of your life.
It is wonderful to hear how you studied fror home and achieved so much.
It is so sad about your eyes and although you are brave I am sure
there are often times you wonder what it would be like.
It seems at times that we achieve more when faced with difficulties.
Maybe galvanised.
Bless you
~ miriam
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Hi delphin
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I am glad to hear from you. Vision impairment is just a part of me and i embrace it with both my hands 🙂
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I haven’t seen a woman so strong like you. You are incredible, impeccable and a lady to be adored. I just love the fact that you have never given in to those who try to pull you down. Bravo!
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Thank you so much for your kind and lovely words. I really appreciate. Thanks. 😊
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