As a teenager, I was really worried about my brown complexion. I used to put on a lot of skin-lightening creams, edit my pictures and get my passport photos in milky white complexion. I was just so, so, so worried. I had difficulty in finding favouritism for myself, and went through immense bullying.
I left my hometown for higher studies to a city that was again challenging for me. I come from a small township that is not normally even shown on the Indian political map. I was pursuing my engineering in Greater Noida. Again, I went through a lot of bullying — this time, it was evidently and clearly for my face. I was shattered, and wanted to leave everything and go back to my home and family where I would have felt safe.
One day, I saw a man searching for food from the garbage. He had barely any clothes on and looked dirty. I was shivering and in tears. I questioned myself: what is it that I am cursing myself or God for? Why am I listening and even getting bothered by people? And for what — for my skin colour and wasting my life? Instead, I should celebrate my life.
From that day onwards, I thank God daily for giving me this wonderful life, a functional body, skills and a great family. I started loving myself so much, that now, whoever I meet, that person falls in love with my happiness and I no more see any flaw in myself. My brown skin no longer haunts me. I feel like a goddess! A beautiful, brown goddess!
Featured image has been provided by the author.