Post by Dr.Hemant M.

“I was born with a cleft lip–I had my first surgery when I was 4 months old, which left me scarred. That coupled with my dark skin ensured I had trouble making friends. I was 2 when we moved to Singapore; kids would point in my direction and whisper; it made me conscious. And the complex increased even in Singapore. The new school had more Indian kids and settling in was easier. To keep me busy, mom enrolled me in Bharatnatyam classes; my love for dance grew. Whenever I was on stage, I’d forget about the comments. Mom even enrolled me for swimming and skating, all of which darkened my complexion, so then I had a new problem. I remember, when I was 7 and my sister was born, the first thing I said when I looked at her was, ‘Thank God she doesn’t look like me!’ Mom looked at me and said, ‘You’re beautiful–remember that!’ I just nodded, but didn’t believe it. When my sister turned 3, we moved to Bangalore; the bullying continued. The girls in school were so hostile, they wouldn’t sit next to me. When I told a guy I liked him, he kicked me. We were there for a year and I remember crying for most of it. So, when my parents said we were moving to Bombay, I thought, ‘How different can it be?’ But Bombay surprised me! I made great friends who didn’t judge me for my looks. Still, whenever people asked me about my lip, even out of concern, I’d lie. For the longest time, I told people that I’d fallen down the stairs and hurt my lip as a kid. I only first spoke about it after college ended. The love I received was overwhelming. A stranger commented, ‘This is the most beautiful shade of skin I’ve ever seen.’ It was the confidence boost I needed. And once confidence came in, self-love followed! Initially, I used to be wary of the way I looked, of being on stage and of facing the camera. But today, I’m a professional dancer; I love the camera and I’m the heroine of my own film. When people talk about my skin, I call it chocolatey and if someone asks about my lip, I say, ‘I’m Harry Potter–my scar’s on the lip!’ It’s simple-the way you talk to yourself is how you teach others to talk to you!” A little love and giving can change people for ever. So don’t be a discriminator be a giver! -- My name is Vedika, and thru all the bads and goods… i thank all those who have made me a happy, talented and empowered being today!