Life is a journey filled with challenges, and some individuals face more than their fair share. Divya Wankhade’s remarkable story is a testament to human resilience and determination. Born with conjunctival cataract and poor visibility in both eyes, Divya’s journey has been characterized by medical obstacles and societal biases. Despite the odds stacked against her, Divya’s unwavering spirit and the support of her parents have propelled her forward, allowing her to achieve remarkable milestones and inspire those around her.
From a tender age of 5 months, Divya was diagnosed with conjunctival cataract, leading to poor visibility and bilateral eye issues. Her mother, Deepa Wankhade, embarked on a journey to find the best medical care for her daughter, leading them to Dr. Daljit Singh. Divya’s first surgery at just 6 months marked the beginning of her lifelong battle. Although her right eye sight didn’t fully develop, her parents’ dedication to her well-being remained unshaken. Overcoming multiple surgeries, including lens replacement, Divya’s near vision improved, enabling her to attend school
Yet, Divya’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. The society’s lack of understanding and acceptance of her medical condition posed additional challenges. However, Divya’s confidence and her parents’ unwavering support kept her strong. As her father served in the army, Divya’s life was punctuated by frequent relocations, exposing her to new environments and people. This constant change, coupled with her medical condition, shaped her into a determined individual.
Her struggle intensified in school when her cornea cells decomposed, requiring removal of her lenses. Despite the setback, Divya never wavered in her pursuit of education and dreams. A diagnosis of bronchial asthma further tested her resolve, causing her to fall sick frequently. Yet, she completed her 12th grade education and went on to graduate in psychology. Her passion for the subject was nurtured by a supportive mentor.
Upon graduation, Divya faced another formidable challenge: finding a job. Rejections due to her medical history led to mental health issues and depression. In the face of adversity, Divya displayed remarkable resilience, eventually securing a volunteering position at an NGO. She turned her struggles into strengths, achieving success by clearing the UGC NET and JRF exams in her third attempt.
Divya’s story is a beacon of inspiration for all those who face adversity. Despite the absence of friends and societal acceptance, she carved her path through sheer determination. Her journey serves as a reminder that success is not merely defined by accomplishments, but by the strength to endure and the courage to rise above challenges
Divya, now 25, is eyeing a future in the Junior Research Fellowship, further exemplifying her unwavering spirit and determination to succeed.
Divya Wankhade’s journey is a tale of triumph over adversity, of embracing challenges and turning them into stepping stones to success. Her story reminds us that obstacles are opportunities for growth and that determination can break down even the toughest barriers. Divya’s parents’ unwavering support and her own inner strength has shaped her into an inspiring role model for all those who strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Click To View Profile — Divya Wankhade Instagram
Click To View Profile — Divya Wankhade Facebook
Click To View Profile — Divya Wankhade Linkedin