Lighting The Way: Priya Pooja’s Journey From Hajipur To Healing Eyes
In a small village where girls were taught to accept life, one quiet daughter dared to rewrite hers. What changed her world wasn’t luck—it was purpose.
In the quiet village of Hajipur, nestled in Bihar’s Saran district, Priya Pooja grew up as the eldest daughter of Devendra Kumar and Geeta Kumari. Her days were filled with more than books and games—she bore the silent weight of responsibility, helping raise her younger siblings and supporting her mother in household tasks.
Dreams often took a backseat in such a life. For a girl from a modest background, ambition felt like a distant luxury. “I always believed I had to accept what life offered, not ask for more,” Priya recalls.
A Turning Point with Purpose
That belief began to change on 2nd August 2015, when Priya was inducted into the Football to Eyeball programme at Akhand Jyoti. While not all girls in the initiative play football, the programme offers something far more lasting—an opportunity for rural girls to rise through education, professional training, and personal growth.
Priya joined with hesitation. She was shy, unsure, and afraid of failure. But she pushed forward. Day by day, she immersed herself in the learning environment. With strong mentorship and her own perseverance, she gradually found her footing.
From Student to Skilled Professional
Priya’s academic journey was a steady climb. She completed her Diploma in Optometry, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry. Not stopping there, she went on to pursue and complete an MBA in Hospital Management.
Today, Priya works as a Senior Optometrist at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital and leads the Retina Clinic—a highly specialised unit that deals with complex eye conditions and demands not only medical precision but also leadership and empathy.
“I never imagined I’d be trusted with something so important,” she shares. “But with every patient I see, I’m reminded of the girl I used to be—and how far I’ve come.”
Building Confidence, Inspiring Others
What changed in Priya wasn’t just her academic qualification or job title—it was her sense of self. She began speaking with confidence, making decisions with clarity, and guiding younger girls in the programme who now look up to her as a role model.
“Earlier, I was afraid to even introduce myself in a room,” she says with a smile. “Now, I lead a clinic and mentor other girls who are just starting out. I understand their fear, because I’ve lived it.”
A Ripple of Change
Priya’s journey is not just a story of personal triumph—it’s a ripple in a larger movement that is transforming rural India, one girl at a time. Her story is a testament to the power of sustained opportunity, mentorship, and belief.
She doesn’t just restore vision to patients—she represents a new vision for what rural girls can achieve when given the right support.
"I didn’t just learn to treat eyes—I learned to trust myself," Priya says quietly, but with conviction.
