My World: Shakti Sharma

The struggle I went through after I lost my sight has led me to empathise with those who suffer the pain and agony associated with losing vision. That's the reason I have taken it upon myself to work for the betterment of people, particularly children, who have lost their sight.

I derive strength from my name Shakti (which means power in Hindi). In 1988, at the age of 26, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, a medical condition that leads to a gradual loss of central vision. I am left with only peripheral vision. Glasses are of no help. I have been using a strong magnifying glass to see and read. Without it all I can see are blurred images. My vision is steadily deteriorating. But I refuse to resign myself to fate. I would like to offer a helping hand to those who have no one to turn to when they lose their sight because I know what it feels like to be in such circumstances.

My family stood by me. I was fortunate that in my difficult times I had unflinching support of my family and friends. But not every person who faces sudden tragedy is lucky to have all the necessary support from his/her dear ones.

Numerous memories spring to mind when I look back at those years when I started to lose sight. For one, I became a voracious reader! I read books on psychology, psychiatry and mythology. I also wrote a book, Tearless Eyes Fearless Heads.I got immense feedback on that. I realised many people had started looking up to me for moral support. That's when I comprehended that I was in a battle fighting battles for others. I decided to never give up and am constantly endeavouring to set new trends for the young hopefuls.

My own predicament made me work towards finding solutions to other people's problems and six years ago, I formed Swayam Shakti Foundation (SSF). The NGO provides educational programmes for young visually impaired children in northern India. But realising that education in itself wasn't enough for a dignified survival in this highly competitive world, my next step was to set up International Corporate Training Centre (ICTC).

Launched in 2009, the centre has expert faculty members who educate students on a wide range of topics including corporate work culture, and offer lessons in business communications, telesales, private banking and marketing and management strategies.

Through its advanced computer training programme, the centre helps aspirants acquire computer knowledge including assembling, formatting, software and hardware installation, web designing and database management. This equips and prepares them for the job market - they become assets to any company.

Time is a great healer. It's moving to see how within a short time children learn to live with the fact that they may never be able to see again. It's particularly painful for those who have had sight and then lost it. It can be akin to the feeling of losing one's parent.

But what I have witnessed is that such children grow up to become powerhouses of intellect with high IQ levels. These children do not seek our sympathy, what we need to do is bring them into the mainstream.

My passion for life has rubbed off on my students. I am glad to say that the Swayam Shakti Foundation has trained many visually impaired students and ICTC students have found good placements as teachers and data entry operators in reputed firms. It feels good when people credit me for changing their lives.

People who meet me find it difficultto believe that I have lost my vision. They say that not only do my eyes look normal, but I still remain a figure of grace and poise. Hearing such kind words humbles me and gives me the strength to put all the difficulties I faced behind me and move forward.

Quick Questions

What should one do when they face problems and hardships?

I believe we can change our destiny. If we do not adopt a positive view of life when we face problems, undue stress can overpower us. It is important to think beyond negative issues and find ways to power ahead in life.

What disappoints you the most?

I feel sad when I turn down many children who come to me for support [because I do not have] the funds. Despite unlimited energy and will, I feel frustrated because I have limited resources.

My World

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