What do you want to be when you grow up? This supposedly innocent question has been lobbed at children and teenagers for decades, often eliciting responses like doctor, scientist, lawyer, astronaut, or sometimes even a teacher. However, it is rare to hear a young person say they want to be a “Choreographer”. This unique career choice piqued our interest in Aysha's story, a young girl with a clear vision and passion for dance.
11-year-old Aysha developed an interest in dance over time. Growing up in Kerala, she taught herself some steps from South Indian soundtracks. She hasn't received formal training yet, but she eagerly hopes to start soon. Performing on stage is familiar to her and she has danced at school events, where she feels at ease and truly comes alive.
A 7th-grade student at Jama Ath Higher Secondary School in Thandekkad, Ernakulam, Aysha enthusiastically shares that Maths is her favourite subject because she enjoys tackling complex problems. Alongside her academic interests, she has a creative side with a passion for drawing. However, Aysha's journey hasn't been without challenges; she has faced bullying and harsh comments due to a squint in her eye. Her passion for dancing made appearance an important aspect, and she faced frequent comments from other kids at school and in her neighborhood. Although this condition was a concern from an cosmetic standpoint, it didn’t affect her vision or daily activities such as reading, playing or seeing distant objects. With a spark in her voice, Aysha shares that she didn't let these remarks get to her, thanks to a few friends who reassured her by saying, "People will always have something to say; we shouldn't let it bother us." She felt confident about her appearance and had no major concerns, but sometimes thought that correcting her squint might put an end to the comments and criticism she received.
Spotting it early
Raseena, Aysha’s mother and a homemaker, first noticed the misalignment in Aysha’s eye when she was around 7-8 months old, while feeding her. Aysha’s father, Sudheer, a driver, thought it might resolve on its own, so they chose to wait before consulting a doctor. When Aysha was about five years old, she sustained an injury near her eye. The family physician who treated her observed the squint and suggested to Aysha’s parents that they monitor any changes and consult an eye doctor if necessary. In early 2023, with no change in the squint, Sudheer and Raseena sought advice from an eye doctor who recommended surgery to correct it. However, the surgery costs were too high for them to afford, so they decided to explore other options where the fees could be subsidised.
In August 2023, Mission for Vision in partnership with Little Flower Eye Hospital and Cognizant Foundation launched the Sight4All │ Mission Roshni school eye health initiative to address the visual needs of children studying in government and government-aided schools in Ernakulam district of Kerala. During an eye health check-up camp at Jama Ath Higher Secondary School, the team from Little Flower Eye Hospital in Angamaly detected a prominent squint in Aysha's eye. The hospital team reached out to Aysha's parents and informed them about the programme that would facilitate squint surgery for Aysha at no cost.
Leap of faith
Raseena and Sudheer were initially relieved to learn that Aysha's squint surgery would be covered at no cost through the initiative. However, their relief was soon dampened by neighbours and relatives who began discouraging them. These individuals voiced doubts about the effectiveness of the surgery and even instilled fears that Aysha might lose her sight as a result. The doctors at Little Flower Hospital counselled them patiently, alleviating their concerns while setting realistic expectations. Eventually, both parents agreed to the surgery, and Raseena shares her experience with encouragement: “Don’t lose hope. People will always offer advice and opinions, but we need to disregard them and continue trusting the medical experts. Our own Aysha is proof that medical teams can work wonders. It’s up to us to trust the process and the doctors.”
Poised to dance
Aysha approached the surgery with a mix of courage and anticipation. Yet, as she put on the surgery gown and prepared to enter the operating room, a shiver ran down her spine, filling her with tension and anxiety. The bright lights and sterile environment made her feel small and vulnerable, but she held onto the hope that this procedure would change her life for the better.
After the successful surgery, her fears melted away, replaced by eager anticipation as she waited to see the results. When the bandages were finally removed, Aysha looked into the mirror and was overjoyed by her reflection. She felt a wave of relief and happiness, feeling as though she was on cloud nine. She admits that the misalignment, once a minor source of insecurity, had been corrected, revealing a new, confident version of herself.
As she returned to school, Aysha soon noticed that the bullying had stopped. Her peers, who had once mocked her, now saw her in a different light. She began making more friends and felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. Her newfound confidence radiated through every aspect of her life, including her dance performances. With her spirits lifted, she started to excel even more, captivating audiences with her grace and talent. This surgery was a turning point in Aysha's life. This timely intervention not only corrected the physical misalignment but also gave her the emotional strength to embrace her true self.
Aysha and her parents are profoundly grateful for the surgery, which has brought about a remarkable change in her life. She now faces the world with greater self-assurance, and her overall well-being has significantly improved. This transformation has had a positive impact on her daily life, enabling her to engage more fully in her studies and social activities without the burden of self-consciousness. Her parents are delighted to see their daughter and only child comfortable with her own self and more confident than ever before.
About the Author:
Shrikant Ayyangar is the Lead for Communications at Mission for Vision, where he spearheads the organisation’s communications efforts and plays a key role in communication strategy, website management, social media outreach, media relations, content curation and branding activities.