Where There is a Will, There is a Way

What can be expected from a physically handicapped, girl living under extreme poverty in a remote village of Orissa – Disappointments, Miseries and Frustrations?

Suryakanti Nayak of village Garimunda, District Subarapura in Orissa had it all to make a heart-rending, tragic tale. But, she was not the one to be cowed down by the inexorable destiny. Suryakanti through her sheer grit and determination turned the tables on the destiny itself and transformed her life from a life of pity and condemnation to a life of admiration and bravery.

Twenty two years ago Suryakanti was born to very poor parents. As if the curse of abject poverty was not enough, Suryakanti was diagnosed since her birth to be suffering from a rare disease afflicting limbs called BAT hand. Unlike other children of her age, poor Suryakanti could not use her hands to eat, play or write. She longed to lead a normal life and during her initial years could not even comprehend as to why she is different from other children.

As the years passed by, she realized that she will have to live with her disability. With no options available, Suryakanti decided not to be dictated by her fate but to live life on her terms. She had a strong desire to study. She practiced hard to write with the toe and the finger of her foot. After failing in her first few attempts, she practiced hard and mastered the art of writing with her feet. Having cleared a major obstacle through her dogged spirit and relentless efforts, she set her eyes on the next major challenge facing her – taking her Board Exams and clearing them. The ‘Never Say Die’ spirit in Suryakanti ensured that she succeeds in this too.

Recognizing Suryakanti’s indomitable spirit to transform her life through the power of education despite odds, which in essence, makes up the ideology of Smile Foundation too, the organization took up the case of Suryakanti under their initiative, ‘Individual Support Programme’. Empowering individuals, particularly children - enabling them to make informed choice, resist oppression, fight for rightful existence and facilitating new possibilities and opportunities for them - is what Smile Foundation strives for. Thanks to the hard work put in by Suryakanti and the timely financial support given by Smile Foundation, Suryakanti today is employed as a teacher in a school and leads a life of dignity. Strong will is truly a potent weapon to overpower destiny.

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