Gulafshan Bano: A Journey of Passion and Success with NAAI & Sarthak 🌟

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 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 creativity into a source of income.

Her breakthrough came when she discovered the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI) event through a WhatsApp group. Learning that Sarthak Educational Trust was organizing it in her hometown, Jamshedpur, she seized the opportunity. Gulafshan participated and proudly won a Gold Medal — her first-ever achievement. This victory transformed her family’s perspective, proving that passion can also lead to success.

Encouraged by her win, Gulafshan went on to compete in the 11th National Abilympic Skill Competition in December 2024 in Gurgaon, where she won a Bronze Medal. It was not an easy journey — initially, her family did not permit her to participate. However, with Sarthak’s support and encouragement from her mother and younger brother, she overcame the obstacles and achieved success.

Now, Gulafshan aspires to enhance her dressmaking skills professionally, as she has never received formal training. She dreams of refining her expertise and making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success.