In the heart of Bakraur, a small village near Bodh Gaya in northern India, a quiet transformation is taking place. For Soni Pravin, a 36-year-old woman who has been blind since birth, each day has been a test of endurance and resilience. Yet, with the support of her community and the encouragement of those around her, Soni is now taking her first steps toward self-reliance—stitch by stitch.

Soni Pravin (left), a visually impaired woman from Bakraur, is welcomed to the knitting class by teacher Rekha (right), who admires Soni’s eagerness to learn. | Photo: Cheng-Hsuan Wang (王承瑄) | India | 2025/04/15

A New Beginning: Overcoming Pain and Uncertainty

Soni’s life has never been easy. Not only has she lived her entire life without sight, but in recent years, she has suffered from severe pain in her right eye—so much so that it often radiated to her head and neck, robbing her of sleep. Doctors recommended surgery to relieve her pain, but the cost was far beyond her means. With assistance from Tzu Chi, Soni was able to undergo the operation, and her journey toward healing did not end there.

Determined to help Soni build a sustainable future, volunteers arranged for her to join a knitting class in Silaunja Great Love Village. This was more than just a new skill—it was a chance for Soni to regain her confidence and independence.

The First Steps: Facing Challenges with Courage

On April 15, Soni set out for her first knitting class. The journey was not simple. The roads in Bakraur are rough, and on this day, a construction site blocked the way, forcing Soni to walk 200 to 300 meters along the roadside before she could continue by tuk-tuk. Despite these obstacles, Soni pressed on, guided by her determination to learn and change her life.

 On the morning of April 15, volunteers arrived in Bakraur to escort Soni to Silaunja Great Love Village for her knitting class. Throughout the journey, knitting teacher Rekha (right) accompanied Soni with care, offering words of encouragement. | Photo: Endrajeet | India | 2025/04/15

Upon arrival, she was warmly welcomed by her teacher, Rekha, who gently helped her onto the vehicle and reassured her: “Don’t worry. Even if you can’t see, I will teach you step by step. You can do it.” These words brought comfort to Soni, easing her anxiety about entering an unfamiliar environment.

Learning by Touch: A Teacher’s Challenge and a Student’s Determination

The knitting class began with a bow—a gesture of respect for education. For Rekha, teaching a blind student was a new and daunting experience. She started by letting Soni feel the yarn with her fingers, helping her become familiar with the texture. Then, step by step, she guided Soni through holding the needles, looping the yarn, and making the first stitches. At first, Soni’s hands moved slowly and awkwardly, but she never gave up.

Rekha was moved by her student’s perseverance: “I’ve never taught a visually impaired student before, but after trying, I found she did even better than I expected. She is very focused and willing to learn. The most important thing is that she’s willing to try—this is the best starting point.”
Soni, too, shared her feelings: “When I first came here, I wasn’t sure if I could learn. But Rekha held my hand and taught me bit by bit. She is so patient, and I feel her warmth and sincerity.”
Rekha (right) encourages Soni (center): “You can learn, because anyone with the heart to try can learn. If you never try, you’ll think you can’t do it. I’m so glad you took this step.” | Photo: Cheng-Hsuan Wang | India | 2025/04/15

A Classroom Transformed: Support and Friendship

Soni’s motivation for learning knitting runs deep. “My parents are no longer here. I have to rely on myself. I want to learn a skill so I can earn a living and not be a burden to others,” she explained quietly.

Her classmates, initially surprised by her presence, soon became her allies. Puja Kumari said, “She can’t see, but she still works hard to learn and work. I admire her and want to help her.” Another student, Punam Kumari, added, “Soni comes from another village and can’t see, but I’ll teach her what I know. I hope she can improve, too.”

Classmates like Puja Kumari (left) are eager to help Soni (right), inspired by her determination to learn despite her blindness. | Photo: Cheng-Hsuan Wang | India | 2025/04/15

The atmosphere in the classroom shifted from surprise to warmth and cooperation. Students began to help Soni, learning alongside her and sharing their knowledge. The class became more than a place to learn a craft—it became a space of acceptance and mutual encouragement.

Students, initially surprised, soon offered help and learned alongside Soni, creating a gentle and supportive classroom environment. | Photo: Cheng-Hsuan Wang | India | 2025/04/15

A Journey of Love and Empowerment

Soni’s story is one of quiet courage and the transformative power of community. Through the support of her teacher, classmates, and volunteers, she is not only learning a new skill but also regaining her sense of dignity and hope for the future. As she expressed her gratitude, Soni wished the same for everyone in her class: “Thank you for teaching me to knit. I hope everyone can learn and have a good life ahead.”

In Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, stories like Soni’s are unfolding every day—stories of individuals overcoming hardship with the help of those who care. Through practical support and genuine companionship, lives are being changed, one stitch at a time.

Written by Cheng-Hsuan Wang (王承瑄)