There are times when people think that nothing can lift them up from their troubles. However, if they stay put for a while and do not get bogged down, they certainly find relief in sight. That is the story of Tajiya Parween, an 18-year-old resident of Kishanganj in Bihar. Tajiya comes from a family that is steeped in education and learning. Her father is an Urdu teacher and most of her brothers are also into teaching. As a student, she harboured a desire to study Science, but she encountered several barriers in her academic journey.

In 2020, when she was studying in class 10, she developed blisters in her hands. That was the first time she realised the loss of sensation in her hands. As days went by, she started experiencing pain in her right arm, which progressed to weakness and further clawing of that hand. A tingling and burning sensation further added to her discomfort. Despite seeking medical attention from multiple doctors, Tajiya's condition worsened. Over the next two years, clawing in the right hand worsened. Additionally, foot drop developed, making walking difficult.

In 2022, a teacher at her school recommended her to get tested for leprosy at a government hospital. Her diagnosis of leprosy was confirmed, but the news was met with apprehension about her future and ability to live a normal life. Despite this, Tajiya's family supported her throughout the treatment process. After her multi-drug therapy was over, she was referred to The Leprosy Mission hospital in Muzaffarpur for reconstructive surgery.

Tajiya underwent surgery on her left foot in 2022. Intense physiotherapy followed, and slowly, she could walk normally again. This wasn't just about reversing physical deformity, but also about igniting hope in her heart. In September 2023, another surgery helped her correct the clawing in her hand, restoring functionality and further boosting her confidence.

The girl, who once feared the future, now looks at it with optimism. Inspired by the care she received, Tajiya dreams of becoming an auxiliary nurse midwife, dedicating herself to serving others as she was served. She is now studying in class 11.

We need to draw a few lessons from her journey: the strength of a supportive family and strong determination; the importance of early diagnosis and access to correct treatment.