The Day Ragini Saw Herself
On a narrow lane in rural Bihar, a little girl waits for her friend to walk her to school — her satchel slung across her shoulder, her eyes squinting at a world she can barely see. No one around her knew how much she was missing — until a chance encounter with a team from Akhand Jyoti changed everything.
On a narrow lane in the small village of Parsa, in Bihar’s Saran district, a 9-year-old Ragini Kumari stood with a satchel slung across her shoulder—waiting for her friend to walk her to school.
She squinted slightly, but all that came into vision were blurry roads fading into the distance.
Each day, it was the same story for Ragini.
Born to Raj Kumar Manto and Suganti Devi, Ragini had never known what the world really looked like.
As one of the many children in Bihar born with vision impairment, she found it difficult to fully engage with the world around her.
For nine long years, she quietly struggled.
Her parents worked as tailors, earning just enough to make ends meet. From a young age, they sensed something wasn’t right. When other children were learning to read, run, and play, Ragini hesitated—held back by her inability to see clearly.
She always wanted to learn, but her eyes wouldn’t let her, her mother recalls
School became a challenge, and playtime was filled with uncertainty. Children asked questions, sometimes teased—but it was her quiet withdrawal that pained her parents most. They often found Ragini sitting alone, her books open but her eyes unfocused.
Then, one day, hope knocked on their door. They heard about Akhand Jyoti’s eye care programme, and for the first time, they dared to believe things could change.
After a careful screening, Ragini was referred for surgery at Akhand Jyoti. The team ensured that she and her family felt safe, cared for, and informed—every step of the way. And when the surgery was done, the difference was immediate.
Hope Arrives Home
Ragini looked at her reflection in the mirror. For the first time, she wasn’t seeing a blur—she was seeing herself.
Her parents, once fearful for her future, were overwhelmed with emotion.
She can see clearly now, her father said with tears in his eyes.
She can run, read, and be like other children. What more could we want?
Back in school, her teachers noticed the transformation—not just in her vision, but in her confidence. She raised her hand more often, answered questions, and no longer needed to squint at the blackboard.
And outside of school, she runs freely—chasing kites and laughter, living the life of a regular 9-year-old.
A Childhood Restored
Ragini’s story is not just about restoring eyesight—it’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and childhood itself.
Her family now dreams bigger. They no longer worry that her vision will hold her back. Instead, they wonder what she might grow up to be—a teacher, a nurse, maybe even a doctor.
Because now, Ragini can see those dreams too.
And it all began with a simple act of care—an eye surgery that changed everything.
