My name is Kalyani Vinod, when I was in 10th standard I noticed difficulty in holding my pen and books. Unaware about the problem, visited many quacks and doctors but it was all done in vain.
Finally, one day Meena Ma’am visited our house during their routine leprosy survey. I shared my problem and then she and her team did a thorough examination and suspected it was leprosy and asked to visit the Leprosy Referral Center. Me and my parents got worried and thought that now it’s the end of life.
With courage I visited the LRC, where ALERT team members re-examined and confirmed leprosy. They started the medication and also did counseling, which really relieved and cleared my doubts. But by the time I was diagnosed I had already developed the deformity in my right hand. I was worried and thought that I could not continue my studies. But the ALERT community / physiotherapy team assured that it is in the initial stage and recovery is possible.
I took MDT for a year along with regular physiotherapy at LRC and finally recovered. I am fortunate that ALERT is working in our area otherwise I would have developed deformities. Now I am a 20-year-old young woman, who has shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. Diagnosed with leprosy in her childhood, she faced not only health struggles but also social stigma. Though she has been completely cured, the disease left me with a disability in my right hand, making daily activities and academic work difficult.
Despite these challenges, I refused to give up on her dreams.I am currently undergoing physiotherapy to improve mobility in hand, demonstrating unwavering commitment to recovery.My perseverance has also extended to education- now I in final year of B.Com, determined to build a bright future for Myself.
Kalyani’s journey is a testament to the power of hope and determination. With strong willpower and support from rehabilitation programs, she continues to push forward, proving that disabilities do not define one’s potential. Her dream is to complete her education and secure a stable career, inspiring others who face similar challenges.
