August 15, 2019
Just 21 years old, Muskan from a small town in Himachal Pradesh is
making a name for herself in music. Muskan, who is visually impaired, is not
only a gifted singer but has in-depth knowledge of music.
Winner of a nationwide music contest held by Radio Udaan and the
Election Commission of India‘s brand ambassador. At 21,
Muskan has achieved quite a lot. Born in Rohru in small town Himachal
Pradesh, this young woman has faced many barriers as a visually impaired
person.
Muskan was a student at the well-known Portmore School in
Shimla where she was supported by the NGO Umang Foundation
Having faced many problems in accessing education, she believes that
mainstream schools need to become more inclusive.
Following a High Court order some schools like Portmore have now started
giving admission to blind students. More schools need to be equipped with
better facilities for disabled students as there are many blind students
who drop out of schools due to lack of inclusion. – Muskan,
Singer
Muskan took to music as a child. “Since childhood, I was interested in music
and singing. Music takes me to a different world and no matter how bad the
day is I always feel happy when I sing.”
Muskan won many state-level singing competitions and sang at youth festivals.
But it was her win at the first national talent competition organized by
Radio Udaan, an exclusive radio station for people with disabilities, that
brought her fame. She was appointed a youth icon to motivate young voters to
exercise their vote. Muskan voted using the braille facility and set an
example for others. She also sang a song on the importance of exercising your
vote.
Muskan studies music at the Himachal Pradesh University,
thanks to students like her the university is becoming recognised as one of
the premier inclusive institutions in India. “There are lot of improvements
being done and hopefully the campus will be made fully accessible for
disabled students”, she says.
To her close friends like Sangeeta Devi, Muskan’s
independent nature is a matter of wonder.
“Instead of asking for help, Muskan is the one who helps out others”, says
Sangeeta. “Her heart is as beautiful as her voice and through all the years I
have known Muskan, I have never found her being negative.”
Muskan wants to become a music professor and is also taking her competitive
exams. Inspired by her mentor and guide Ajai Srivastava, who
is the founder of Umang Foundation, she wants to be involved in social work
too.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/visually-impaired-singer-muskan-uses-music-to-connect-with-the-world
