Sharada Talari had a difficult childhood. Born and raised in a small village in the Anantapur region, she contracted polio at the age of five and has been severely restricted in her mobility since then. Her parents never cared much about her well-being and often treated her badly.

“I was physically abused by my father. He was addicted to alcohol and beat me every night for no reason. I was always given less food than my sisters. Nobody in my family believed that I would survive,” says Sharada.

Sharada was in 11th grade when she suffered her first epileptic seizure.  “At school, my classmates were afraid of my seizures. My parents no longer saw me as their child. They threw my food on the floor. Before I could go to school in the morning, I had to do all the housework,” she adds.

Her grandmother took care of her and financed her medical treatment. However, her parents believed that there was no cure for them and stopped all treatments. A short time later, Sharada was no longer allowed to go to school and was forced to graze the cattle.

An employee of Rural Development Trust found out about her situation and brought her to a hospital. Then she was offered a job in the organization’s handicraft workshops.

“When I started in the workshop, I wasn’t able to make one doll a day, but over the months I have improved and now I can make 12 dolls a day. My teachers inspired me to never stop learning. This craft is more than a job, it has become my passion” says Sharada.

The young woman sees every day as a new opportunity and has decided to do something with her life. “I’ve been happy since I started working. I feel like an adult. I used to see myself as a burden. I had enough and didn’t want to live anymore,” she recalls.

Her father’s alcoholism had an impact on his health and it was Sharada who used her first salary to take him to the hospital. She visits her family once a month and supports them financially when necessary.

Her own health has also improved. With the right medication, Sharada, who previously had two epileptic seizures a day, has not had a seizure in a year. She has gained confidence and has become more sociable.

“Nobody spoke to me in the village and they always called me “Thikkadanivi” (crazy). They used to treat me like an animal and now they take care of me like a daughter. People congratulate me on what I have achieved. Many relatives ask me for help,” she explains, emphasizing that she forgave but did not forget. She never wants to be taken for granted by anyone.

She found friends in the workshop and feels accepted. “I am no longer afraid to take to the streets or to express my opinion. I want my family to know that despite disabilities I can work and earn money. I can also help people without disabilities,” explains Sharada.