Babita's Journey Of Sight And Dreams: A Story Of Hope In Rural Bihar
In the tranquil village of Dumrao, Bihar, where lush green fields stretch as far as the eye can see, lives a young girl named Babita Kumari.
At just 14 years old, Babita's world had been nothing but shadows.
Born with congenital cataracts, her vision was clouded, trapping her in a silent and uncertain world.
Her family, struggling with poverty and the emotional toll of her father’s mental instability, could not afford the treatment Babita desperately needed.
Missing Childhood
While her peers enjoyed the simple pleasures of childhood—playing in the fields, celebrating festivals—Babita watched from the sidelines, isolated by her inability to see.
I feel lost in a world where everyone else can see, and I can't,
Babita often thought, her heart heavy with the longing for a normal life.
The Ray of Hope
But fate had other plans for Babita. One day, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital organised a free eye screening camp in Dumrao.
Babita and her mother, Sangita, attended the camp, where doctors quickly identified her condition and referred her for a sight-restoring surgery at the Akhand Jyoti hospital in Mastichak.
This moment marked the beginning of Babita's journey to light—a journey that would change not only her life but also the lives of those around her.
The Journey to Mastichak
With a mixture of fear and hope, Babita and her mother traveled to Mastichak, where the surgery would take place. It was a long journey for the mother and daughter, but they carried with them the hope of a brighter future.
At the hospital, Babita underwent the sight-restoring surgery, and after a short recovery, the moment arrived—her bandages were removed.
As her eyes adjusted to the light, Babita gazed around and saw the world with stunning clarity for the first time in years.
Tears of joy filled her eyes as she looked at her mother and the faces of her loved ones. She could see the vibrant colors of the flowers in the garden, the golden hues of the sunrise, and the joyful faces of her siblings who eagerly awaited her return.
For the first time, Babita could see the beauty in the world around her.
A Mother's Relief
Sangita, Babita’s mother, had endured years of emotional turmoil, bearing the weight of both her daughter’s condition and the mental struggles of her husband.
Every day feels like a battle against the shadows that have engulfed my family,
she said.
Her journey had been one of fear and uncertainty, but when Babita’s surgery was successful, Sangita felt a wave of relief wash over her. The burden of years of worry was finally lifted.
A New Beginning
With her sight restored, Babita’s world opened up in ways she had never imagined.
She could now enjoy the simple joys of life that had once been beyond her reach—whether it was watching the colours of the sky at dusk or enjoying the laughter of her friends as they played together.
But more than that, Babita began to dream again.
I want to study, I want to learn. Now that I can see, I will make sure I never miss out again,
Babita said, her voice filled with hope and determination.
A Journey to Light
Babita's story is not just about overcoming curable blindness; it is about the power of sight to change the course of a life.
Akhand Jyoti’s efforts through initiatives like Bal Drishti, which aims to screen 5,00,000 children and provide free eye surgeries in rural Bihar, made it possible for Babita to experience a brighter future.
By reaching the unreached in low-income geographies, Akhand Jyoti is helping to restore vision and open doors to education, opportunity, and hope.
Babita’s transformation is a testament to the life-changing impact of timely intervention and accessible healthcare in rural India.
With her newfound vision, she has not only regained sight but also the chance to build the future she once thought was out of reach.
