Sunil Gowda was born in a small village, Kudremukh, nestled in the verdant hills of Western Ghats, Karnataka. From the moment he came into the world, it was clear that Sunil was different.

“Ketta Sakuna.”

Some of the villagers would murmur this phrase, meaning "bad omen," when they saw him. Others called him "Shapa," which means "curse."

Why did they think so?

His skin was pale, almost translucent, and his hair was as white as the monsoon clouds that rolled over the village every year. Sunil had albinism, a condition that caused a lack of pigment in his skin, hair, and eyes.

In the close-knit community where everyone knew each other, Sunil's appearance drew stares and whispers. His parents, who were farmers, loved him dearly but often felt at a loss about how to protect him from the harsh sun that could burn his skin so easily or the cruel words that could wound his spirit. Despite these challenges, Sunil grew up with a kind heart and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him.

School was a mixed experience for Sunil. He was a bright student, always eager to learn, but his poor eyesight, a common complication of albinism, made it hard for him to keep up. His teachers, although well-meaning, often didn't know how to accommodate his needs.

His classmates, however, were a different story. Some teased him, calling him "ghost" or "whitey," but others stood by his side, intrigued by his knowledge and gentle nature.

One of Sunil's closest friends was a girl named Asha. Her house was close to his, and their parents knew each other. From a young age, Asha had an empathy that set her apart. She didn't see Sunil's albinism as something strange or frightening. To her, Sunil was just Sunil—the boy who knew the names of all the trees in the village, who could recite long poems from memory, and who always helped her with her homework. They spent countless afternoons together, sitting under the shade of the banyan tree, talking about their dreams and aspirations.

As they grew older, Sunil's challenges became more pronounced. Finding work was difficult. Many people held onto superstitions, believing that his albinism was a curse or bad omen. Despite his skills and intelligence, doors closed on him. But Sunil did not give up. He took on various odd jobs, from tutoring children to helping his parents on the farm, all the while continuing to educate himself.

When the United Nations planned to celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day on July 13th, it marked a turning point for Sunil.

One year, a non-profit organization came to their village to raise awareness about albinism. They spoke about the challenges faced by people with the condition and the importance of inclusion and support. Sunil was invited to share his story. Standing in front of his community, he spoke with a mixture of nervousness and determination.

"I have faced many difficulties because of my albinism," he began, "but I am not a curse. I am not a bad omen. I am just a person who wants to live, work, and be accepted like anyone else."

His words resonated with many in the audience. The local school decided to implement better support for children with visual impairments. Neighbors who had once shunned him began to greet him warmly. Asha, now a teacher in the village, started a support group for families with children with albinism, ensuring they had the resources and understanding to help their children thrive.

Sunil's life began to change. He found steady work as a teacher, and his knowledge and patience made him a beloved figure in the community. On July 13th, the village now celebrates International Albinism Awareness Day with a renewed sense of understanding and acceptance.

Sunil received the president's national award for the best teacher many times, and later in his career, he was recommended for the Padma Shri for his excellence in the field of work for bringing up people with inborn deficiencies.

“Avanu Devate.”

The same people in the village who rebuked him with distressing words started thinking that he was an angel.

Sunil's journey was one of struggle, but also of hope and transformation. Through his courage and resilience, he showed that everyone, regardless of their differences, deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. And in doing so, he not only changed his own life but also the hearts and minds of those around him.

Subhashita

International Albinism Awareness Day

Presenting this for reconsideration.