13 year old wheelchair user Asna Sherin loves to look at the brighter side of the world

13 year old Asna Sherin, a wheelchair user from Thrissur in Kerala, was diagnosed with muscular atrophy when she was hardly one year old. But with the help of her mother Aneesa Shiyad, Asna is gearing up to explore the world. She excels in both academics and arts and has won many prizes and accolades in this young age. The determination and confidence of this youngster to achieve bigger heights is truly inspiring.

For 13 year old Asna Sherin, going outdoors and playing or experimenting new things like how her peers do is impossible. She has been on a wheelchair since the past seven years after being diagnosed with muscular atrophy. But a disability has not broken the spirits of this teenager. Asna is exploring the world in her own ways and terms. Asna, who is currently studying in class 8 at a government school in Thrissur, has excelled in academics. She recently ventured into the world of art through paintings and drawings. This youngster cannot be happier in life. She says art has given her a new lease of life.

Asna’s mother Aneesa Shiyad, who used to work as a librarian, quit her job after Asna’s diagnosis. She recollects that Asna started showing symptoms of her disability when she was hardly one year old. She couldn’t walk properly and used to keep falling often which caused a lot of worry to her parents. After consulting many doctors who pointed out that she had calcium deficiency, the family finally showed her to an expert who confirmed that she had muscular atrophy.

We did not have any awareness about a disability. So when the diagnoses came out, we were shattered and clueless. We kept taking Asna to doctors who told us that they are helpless and this is a lifelong condition. We tried Ayurveda with her and she was doing it for over six years. But slowly, after a few years, she started walking after therapies-Aneesa Shiyad, Asna’s mother.

For young Asna, a disability is not a barrier to chase her dreams. This youngster who loves the world of colours and paintings hopes to become an IAS officer when she grows up. “I always desired to become an IAS officer and I hope I can achieve my dream. I have not undergone any professional training in art, but would love to. Glass paintings and crafts are my favourite”, says Asna.

Apart from becoming first in her class, Asna has won many laurels. But she is unable to regularly attend school due to her condition. She also got the first place for the Thrissur district science quiz competition that was held recently. “My friends and teachers at school are very helpful and that is why I love attending classes. But I cannot do that regularly like others”, she says. Asna has also underwent a spinal cord surgery. “My daughter has undergone a lot of pain due to her medical condition. But we are hoping for a better and brighter future which is positive”, says Aneesa.