Gulafshan Bano, a resident of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, has a 65% disability in her right leg due to polio. Despite this challenge, she always aspired to do something unique and follow her passion for dressmaking. However, her family encouraged her to focus on her education and build a career.
Fulfilling her family’s wishes, Gulafshan completed her post-graduation and secured a job. Unfortunately, due to her mother’s deteriorating health, she had to leave her job. But instead of giving up, she decided to pursue her passion from home. Having learned dressmaking through YouTube tutorials, she began taking online orders for bridal dupattas, turning her passion into a source of income.
She discovered the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI) event through a WhatsApp group and learned that Sarthak Educational Trust was organizing it in her hometown, Jamshedpur. Excited about the opportunity, she participated in the competition and won a Gold Medal—her first-ever achievement. This victory changed her family’s perspective, proving that one can achieve success through passion as well.
Encouraged by her win, Gulafshan competed in the 11th National Abilympic Skill Competition in December 2024 in Gurgaon, where she won a Bronze Medal. It was not an easy journey—she initially did not have permission from her family to participate. However, with Sarthak’s support and encouragement from her mother and younger brother, she was able to overcome the obstacles and achieve success.
Now, Gulafshan aims to enhance her dressmaking skills professionally since she has never received formal training. She dreams of refining her expertise and making a name for herself in the industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success.