Briefly, tell us who you are and where you are from.
I’m Sabita from Nepal. I’m 35 years old, mother of 3 sons. I’m a burn survivor who never loses hope.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
I would like to describe me in 3 words as a hardworking, confident and friendly.
When is your birthday? What is your favorite color? Favorite activity?
My birthday is on July 28. My favourite colour is black, golden brown and olive green. My favourite activity is to do paintings and henna tattoo and make others feel great.
If you could do or be anything in the world, what would it be?
I would like to be a person who can be as an example to all as a very bold and strong woman who never gives up even in worst conditions.
What is a dream that you have? What is something that you are passionate about?
My dream is to see my sons to become a very successful.
No matter what happens I never give up and keep on getting up again and again when ever I fall …hoping that someday there will be sunshine after rain and laughter after pain. I want to be someone who can touch others’ lives.
Tell us your RISE story. What are you RISE-ing from? What are you RISE-ing to?
I am an acid attack survivor who lost beauty when I was just 17 years. After then I had to face lots of hard times alone.
When I got discharged from the hospital after 6 months laying on the same bed, I was not even able to walk properly. I used to walk with the help of crutches. It was not easy to accept myself and be happy in such conditions. I used to spent my time just crying alone. I still remember that day when I was holding a little white puppy in my arms. Then some girls and boys were passing from the same way. They saw the puppy and said, “Wow! What a cute little puppy, but .. Look what a horrible person is carrying… Such cute puppy…Run!” Their words hurt me lot. I returned to my home and cried a lot looking at myself in the mirror. Yes, I looked very horrible. Then I decided not to go outside. I started staying inside one room and crying like a lonesome little girl lost in middle of nowhere. I had no one to talk with.
After few months I went to Green Pasture Hospital in Pokhara for my surgery. Actually that hospital is for leprosy patients. There I met leprosy patients who seemed very happy even losing their parts of body. Some didn’t have their hands. Some were in wheelchairs. Others had not even hands and legs both but they were happy. I was in that hospital for 2 months. During that period I made friends in that hospital. Then I looked myself and asked myself why I’m not happy for myself. I haven’t lost any parts. I’m not in wheelchair. I’m able to do whatever I wish. So why I’m not accepting for what I’m ? Then I got the inspiration from those leprosy patients and I accepted myself for what I am. They were too friendly and helpful with beautiful heart. In our society , some people thinks that having leprosy is cursed from the God because of sin. I became friend with them. I found very clean heart with love inside them.
Beauty comes from heart. Not with external looks. Day by day I was learning to be the best one. Well this was my first step to move on. I became stronger and stronger inside. I started to accept me as I am. I wanted to show people that beauty comes within the heart not with external looks.
What is one thing you want people reading this to know?
The one thing I want people to know is never discriminate people with their external looks. Stop this violence.
What would you say to those who think they can’t make a difference in the world?
Definitely each and every one of can make a difference in the world but we have to be patient and we should never give up.
What does RISE mean to you?
RISE means a lot to me. It’s so great to know that there is someone who cares for people like us.
Final thoughts?
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to be a part of RISE. I would be very happy if I can join to work with you in future.