“I was born visually impaired in 1991 in Sialkot. I have a sister who is normal like my other family members. I got my early education at home as my mother, a nurse by profession, learned the Braille system and then started teaching me. In 1996, we shifted to Taxila as my mother got a job at Christian Hospital and since then we have been living in the residential colony of the hospital.

“My father is also associated with the hospital as a medical technician. I did my matriculation with distinction from a private school in Wah Cantonment while studying with normal students as there was no facility for the students with visual disabilities. My younger sister plays a key role in helping and guiding me in my social, educational and personal life. My family members, especially my sister and mother, motivated me to get higher education and with their support as well as aspiration I removed all social and physical obstacles to achieve my sole desire to become a useful citizen rather than being a burden on my family and society. My disability never came as an obstacle in my passion for studies.

“I easily use a laptop and android phone for audio tutorials and studies. I did my intermediate and graduation from the Government Girls College Wah Cantonment. I did my bachelor at a women college in Wah Cantonment without availing the quota for special persons. I did my master from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad in English linguists and now doing my MPhil in the same subject from International Islamic University Islamabad.

“I chose teaching as a profession as it provides opportunities of learning for life. I served as visiting teacher of English linguists at the FG Postgraduate College for Women, Wah Cantonment, for some time and at present working as a visiting lecturer at Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi. I believe that when nature has deprived you of one blessing it opens hundreds of other doors of blessings as well as opportunities and comes to help you explore these opportunities when you start your journey with hard work, passion, dedication and commitment.”

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2019