When you enter the beauty culture division of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, Delhi, you see the instructor moving about actively, teaching each and every nuance of beauty culture to her students. Then you wonder if she is the same person you heard about who can’t walk without callipers. But when you speak to her you realise that hers is a story of rare courage and strength to live with dignity.
Saroj Anand, 44, has been polio-stricken since childhood. To add to her immobility was overprotection by her family. But she didn’t give up. She finished her graduation successfully and did several courses in beauty culture against all odds. She left her parental house and stayed in Delhi to learn various aspects of her trade. Today she is an instructor at the beauty culture division of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, Delhi. She has taught hundreds of students, physically challenged as well as able bodied. Her story shows how she transformed herself from a shy and scared girl to a confident and mature woman. Excerpts from an interview:
Tell me something about your studies and courses.
I have done my schooling from Allahabad, followed by graduation from Allahabad University in BA (Pass). After that I did three years of diploma and BEd in hair and skin care from National Vocational Training Institute, Noida (NVTI), other courses from VLCC and Habib’s. I still keep attending workshops organised by various beauticians and hair-stylists like Habib, Ambika Pillai and Sylvie to know the latest trends in beauty culture.
Did you face any discrimination?
The worst discrimination I faced was in my own family. I come from a relatively well-to-do background and therefore I did not face financial problems. But my family members never let me go out of the house alone, fearing that I will hurt myself. They always sympathised with me, rather than treating me as a normal human being. Hence, I could never feel independent. I also developed inferiority complex. This became a major hurdle in realisation of my dream as an empowered individual.
However, my husband, who is an athlete and has represented India in many international events, encouraged me to come out of the four walls of the house and start working. He got this job for me and now for the past 10 years I am training students in beauty culture.
What is the nature of your work?
I teach beauty culture, which includes techniques of facial, make-up and hair-styling. I have 80 students under me right now. I teach them for various certificate and diploma courses, like National Open Certificate, Amar Jyoti’s Diploma etc. These are of various durations. I am also trained in using machines and teach same to the students in association with VLCC. Many students that I have are illiterate or have very basic education level. This line requires skill in hand movements, hence, anybody can learn it and master it.
Do you find any problem in managing due to your physical challenge?
Not really. My work does not require much of leg movement. Moreover, this place has a strong support base. Commuting would have been difficult, but I have a permanent autorickshaw which picks me from home and drops me back. I earn enough to sustain myself well. The inferiority complex that I was suffering from due to physical disability is a matter of past for me because my work makes me feel important and useful.
Had you not been in this profession, what would you have done?
I would have taught Hindi and Sanskrit to school children. I ran a coaching institute before joining this institute.
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