KOLLAM: Five years back, when every nook and corner was filled with election excitement, Seba was happy that she could register her vote in the next election. However, fate stands against this 20-year old.

Seba Salam can’t even stand up from bed at her house at Pathuvan Madam in Ernakulam. She needs an oxygen cylinder in order to sustain her life. She wants to register her vote in the upcoming public election, but it’s not easy.

Seba was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder. Her only relief is her family. The disorder, however, could not weaken the artist in her. The pictures drawn by she is living proof of that.

Seba was active in studies till 2017. She secured A+ grade in all her subjects in the tenth standard while on a wheelchair. Her plus two marks were above 90 percent. When she joined for B. Com degree classes, pneumonia came as a villain. She was not ready to give up on her skills as she continued her artistry though digital sketchbook.

She wants to cast her vote in the upcoming election. “Every citizen above the age of 18 can vote. I too can, right? I can’t go to the polling booths. Then what’s the way. Please say. I really want to vote”, Seba says. Only the Election Commission can answer her questions.