Pattan’s Visually Impaired YouTuber Cooks Up Hope and Confidence

 

Suhail Khan

 

PATTAN, Dec 17: Blindness cannot stop one from shining, achieving great heights, or following their dreams. This truth is exemplified by a visually impaired content creator from North Kashmir’s Pattan, who is inspiring a generation through the art of cooking.

 

Speaking Exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Shabnam said, “I had a passion for learning from childhood. While living at my maternal home, my grandmother and aunt enrolled me in a nearby school. Yet, institutional barriers prevented me from continuing my studies,” she said.

 

“The teachers were not supportive,” Shabnam explained. “They suggested my presence might hinder other students’ education. Consequently, I left.”

 

Her educational zeal persisted, leading her grandfather to enroll her in another local school. “But again, I faced obstacles. During examinations, teachers would ask me to stay home. Distressed by this exclusion, I left that institution as well.”

 

Leaving formal education took a heavy toll. “It affected my health and plunged me into depression. For a long time, I struggled with anxiety,” she shared. “However, when one’s resolve is firm, a path emerges. Opportunities arose, but a lack of financial support became another barrier, deepening my despair.”

 

A change came in 2022. “A brother from the CRC centre assisted me. He provided guidance and helped me complete my 10th-grade examinations,” Shabnam stated.

 

She is now preparing for her 12th-grade exams, which she aims to complete in 2026, God willing.

 

Speaking about her YouTube channel “andekhe cooking” she described her motivation to create content that empowers other visually impaired individuals. “Having endured these struggles, I understand the pain of countless others who have dreams but, due to scant support and societal pressure, cannot step forward. I believed that if my actions could inspire even one person, it would bring me immense happiness.”

 

“After much thought, I took this step. I began making videos to spread a message, especially to persons with disabilities, urging them to come forward.”

 

“By God’s grace, the response has been positive,” she added. “I receive calls from many people who appreciate my efforts and are themselves motivated to pursue their goals.”

 

She urged others with visual impairments not to relinquish their aspirations. “Do not let any obstacle extinguish your passion or your dream. Persist and strive until you succeed.”

 

“Our physical limitations,” Shabnam affirmed, “do not define our capacity to achieve or to shine.”