Archana Ojha – My Life My Struggles

Hello, friends! My name is Archana Ojha. I was born in a small village named Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, but I am from Kolkata. My father, a retired government teacher, was a disciplined man with a strong personality who always guided us—his children—on the right path in life. Over time, his strictness softened, but his values still hold strong. My mother, a skilled homemaker, dedicated her entire life to raising us and managing the household. Through her teachings, my siblings and I learned the true essence of life’s moral principles. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have parents like them and a family that never mourned the birth of three daughters. At a time when daughters were often seen as a curse, my father’s perspective was always different. He used to say, “Daughters are not just a name for Lakshmi (goddess of wealth); the real Lakshmi comes and resides in our house.” His noble thoughts inspired me never to give up on life.
As for my education, I completed all my studies in Kolkata. When I was in fifth grade, a storm unexpectedly struck my life, casting a shadow of darkness. I was diagnosed with a disease called vitiligo, which causes white patches to appear on the skin. The first spot was noticed by one of my teachers, who thought it was a bruise, but it wasn’t. It was the first sign of the disease manifesting on my body. My parents put everything else aside and focused solely on treating me. They left no stone unturned—consulting doctors, offering prayers—anything and everything. However, nothing seemed to work. To hide the disease from society, I started wearing salwar suits at a young age, along with socks and shoes, to prevent the patches from showing. At that time, society considered this disease contagious. Even though perceptions have evolved somewhat, many people still hold similar beliefs. Observing this, my father made it his mission to make me someone who would rise above societal judgments.
When I passed my 10th grade, I wanted to pursue commerce. However, my father, my life’s superhero, knew where I would excel. Despite my objections, he enrolled me in the arts stream. I cried a lot, feeling as though everything was being forced upon me—I couldn’t wear the clothes I liked, nor could I choose my field of study. Still, I passed my intermediate exams and, following my father’s guidance, pursued a Hindi honors degree at Kolkata University.
Society, however, didn’t leave me in peace. While I was still studying, people began circulating rumors and suggesting that I should get married, claiming no one would want to marry me because of my condition. My parents had to endure many such comments, but my father remained steadfast. He used to say, “I will make my daughter capable and won’t bind her to anyone for life unless I find a worthy life partner for her, and she agrees to it.”
I completed my honors degree and then my M.A. In 2008, I decided to become a teacher. However, the shadow of my disease followed me. During interviews, my condition often became a topic of gossip. Despite the discomfort, I got a job. Once again, my father encouraged me not to run away from challenges but to face them head-on.
“Your support made me strong and firm,
With you by my side, I found my destination.
Had you not been there, I would have been crushed
By the cruel words of this society.
Thank you for always walking by my side,
Thank you, Dad, for showing me the right way at every turn.”
While working, I applied for a B.Ed. My name appeared in the first list, but I hesitated to leave my job. As always, my father guided me, and I decided to pursue the B.Ed., leaving my job behind. During this time, I met someone who saw a life partner in me, and I felt the same for him. However, this journey wasn’t easy either. I completed my B.Ed. with excellent marks and soon found a job at a reputed school.
As life progressed, it was time for me to consider marriage. My family supported me, but despite numerous efforts, the boy’s family didn’t agree to our union. Eventually, I convinced my father to let me focus on getting my younger sisters married first. I didn’t want my struggles to cast a shadow on their lives.
After ten years of perseverance, my in-laws finally agreed, and I got married. Around this time, I also secured a job at a prestigious school. However, happiness came with its share of sorrow. During my wedding, my mother was battling cancer, and soon after my marriage, she passed away.
My family’s support has been my pillar of strength. My husband, my sister-in-law, and my son have always stood by me as a shield during difficult times. While relationships between sisters-in-law are often bittersweet, ours has always been sweet and loving. I feel my mother’s blessings in every step I take, as if she’s still beside me.
Thanks to the unwavering support of my family and God’s grace, I now have a beautiful life with my son and husband. My heart finds expression in poetry, and with the support of Dream Publishers, I was able to share my work with the world. I have contributed to education by writing Hindi textbooks for entry-level to Class 5 students. I am still working on several books and remain deeply connected to my school.
“When determination has the strength to touch the sky,
There is no fear from the walls around.
Had I confined myself to these four walls,
I would have achieved nothing.
Had I not had the support of my family and love,
I would have faded away.”
Today, with the wings I’ve received, I, Archana Ojha, have touched the sky. It is the grace of my family and their love that helped me rise above my disease and shine like a star.
Journalist Details
- Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.
Latest entries
NEWSFebruary 17, 2025Nepali Engineering Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Odisha University After Reporting Peer Bullying
NEWSFebruary 17, 2025No Clear Word from BJP on Delhi CM Ahead of Thursday’s Oath Ceremony
NEWSFebruary 17, 2025Delhi-NCR Hit by Early Morning Quake: 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Sends Shockwaves Through Region
NEWSFebruary 16, 2025ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tournament Schedule and Venue Details