lakshmi
“...it is not easy to be growing up
in today’s world where young girls and
boys are so preoccupied with their
appearance and deeply troubled even by a
minor pimple or a freckle.”
Stories of Hope
I was born in a government hospital in Mumbai, India, in 1953, full-term, followed
fifteen minutes later by my sister, both of us with low birth weight. We were the youngest
of five children.
I was born with a port wine stain on my face. My twin sister did not have it. I am not
sure if it was diagnosed as Sturge-Weber syndrome at that time. I was diagnosed with
glaucoma at 14 years (in both eyes) by which time the optic nerve in my left eye was
damaged. I wore glasses and had to make weekly trips to my ophthalmologist. Many
years later with medication, my trips became monthly and then quarterly and finally
annually after undergoing surgery in both eyes.
I am very fortunate that I have no history of seizures and have led a fairly normal life.
And the health problems (probably related to SWS) that cropped up periodically could
be dealt with through medical interventions.
My growing years were easy and happy thanks to my family, especially my very
progressive parents. Thankfully I grew up in an era when looks were not a priority. Family
acceptance and values are very important in leading a normal life and my parents made
sure that I was not made to feel any different from the other siblings. I never thought
I was different, and luckily was not subjected to taunts and jibes, not even by children
– who can be quite cruel. I was never given special treatment – nor was I viewed with
sympathy – at home or at school. I was accepted as myself by my school and college
mates, neighbors, friends, relatives and colleagues.
However, it is not easy to be growing up in today’s world where young girls and
boys are so preoccupied with their appearance and deeply troubled even by a minor
pimple or a freckle. The cosmetic industry thrives by promoting such inane values and
the youth of today are such easy prey.
I overcame many health problems including poor eyesight and a congenital heart
defect to become a trained librarian and worked in academic libraries including a
medical library. I focused on documentation of development issues, working with notfor-profit organizations and developing simple and appropriate information systems. I
have compiled/edited over 25 books at international level and travelled widely on work.
I have also been actively involved in the health and women’s movement since 30 years.
Worried that I may lose my eyesight I started learning instrumental music a few years
ago to help me occupy myself should there be a time of complete darkness. Now I have
reduced my work and travel but I continue to be active in social issues and my routine
includes daily yoga and swimming.
My life has been full of what can be called “miracles” – the miracle of support
from family and friends who did not view me as different which gave me courage and
confidence. However, the most notable miracle in my life has been my own strength in
overcoming challenges and living life fully, in the professional and social worlds. For this
I am grateful to my family and friends. And I always remember that things could have
been worse. I believe in miracles and more importantly, I believe in making
them happen.
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