My name is Shruti Singh, and I hail from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. My story began on August 2, 1996, when I was born prematurely at just six months. My early days were filled with unimaginable challenges, as I was so frail that the milk I drank could be seen passing through my body.

At just two months old, I suffered strokes that led to a suspicion of cerebral palsy (CP).

However, it was confirmed after a diagnosis when I was 1.5 years old, a moment that changed our lives forever. The doctors advised my parents to let nature take its course, suggesting I would never lead a normal life. But my parents were headstrong in their resolve. They chose me over societal expectations and dedicated their lives to my well-being.

Our journey was far from easy. My family faced relentless financial and emotional strain. My mother sold all her jewellery to fund my Ayurvedic treatment, which offered a glimmer of hope.

Despite the financial burden, my father worked tirelessly, even developing spondylitis in the process. Society rejected us, but my family never wavered in their love and support for me. They carried me to countless doctors and treatment centres, refusing to let their daughter go.

Education posed another monumental challenge. With my uncontrollable body movements, writing was a daunting task. Yet, my mother patiently guided me, holding my hand as I learned to write.

School was a lonely place, with friends hard to come by, but my family filled that void, becoming my lifelong companions.

My resilience and my family’s support brought me here. Ayurvedic treatment helped me overcome CP to a great extent. Today, I am proof of what determination and love can achieve. With my parents’ determination, my brother's love, and my efforts, I completed my BSc, MSc, B.Ed., and MA through regular classes, defying all odds.

I now lead an almost normal life, capable of cooking and handling daily tasks independently!

I feel that by sharing my story, I can make other people who are struggling feel seen. I want people to know that there is hope.