A Stitch In Time: Pana Devi’s Journey From Darkness To Dignity
Pana Devi, 64, had always been known in her village of Kuchaikot, Bihar, for her exquisite tailoring skills.
Every stitch she made was a thread of hope and support for her family. Working side by side with her husband, she contributed significantly to their household, which included two daughters still living at home.
Her three sons had moved out for work and no longer supported the family.
Tailoring wasn’t just a job for her; it was her pride, her way of ensuring her family’s needs were met.
Blurry Threads and Fading Hope
However, as time went on, Pana Devi’s vision began to blur. At first, she struggled through, squinting and straining to complete her work.
But the blurriness worsened, eventually turning into complete darkness. The intricate stitches she once mastered became impossible, and the once vibrant colours of fabric faded into a dull, indistinguishable haze.
When asked why she didn’t seek help earlier, Pana Devi confessed,
Even with both of us working, we could only just manage to keep the family going. There was no money left for anything else, let alone expensive medical treatment.
A Burden in the Darkness
As her eyesight failed, Pana Devi’s life took a drastic turn. She could no longer work, and the independence she cherished slipped away.
Her young daughter had to step in as her full-time caregiver, abandoning her own education to look after her mother.
I felt like a burden,
Pana Devi said, her voice tinged with sadness.
I couldn’t even walk by myself, let alone work. My daughter’s studies suffered because of me. It broke my heart.
Her situation seemed hopeless, and the burden on her family grew heavier each day. But just when the darkness seemed all-consuming, a glimmer of hope appeared.
One day, her husband brought home a flyer announcing a free eye screening camp in their village, organised by Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital.
Desperate to help his wife, he decided to take her to the camp.
A New Vision, A Renewed Life
At the camp, doctors identified Pana Devi as a candidate for free eye surgery. The news was a lifeline, and soon she was on her way to the hospital in Mastichak, along with other patients, in a bus provided by Akhand Jyoti.
I was so anxious,
Pana Devi recalled.
But the doctors and staff were so kind. They answered all my questions and made sure I felt safe and comfortable.
The surgery was a success. When the bandages were removed, Pana Devi’s world lit up again.
She could see clearly for the first time in years. The first thing she did was smile—a smile of relief, gratitude, and regained dignity.
I’m no longer a burden, she said, her eyes shining.
I can work again, and my daughter can go back to school. I have my life back.
Today, Pana Devi is back at her sewing machine, stitching not just clothes but a future filled with renewed hope and self-respect.
