KOLLAM: Lifina lost vision in one eye when she was four and a half years old. She became completely blind while she was studying in Class 1.

Lifina grew up in that darkness, with light in her mind. She is fighting in life using the light of optimism and fortitude. Her goal is to become a college lecturer.

Lifina is the fourth child of East Kallada native Jose and Reethamma. One day, when baby Lifina went to the school at church, a teacher pointed out that there were some issues with her eyes.

Following this, Lifina was taken to various hospitals. In the meantime, she lost vision in one eye. Later, it was found that she had a brain tumour. Lifina lost vision of the second eye while undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

Despite losing her vision, Lifina was not ready to give up her studies. She went on to pass SSLC and Plus Two with high grades. She then graduated from Sasthamcotta Devaswom Board College with a degree and a postgraduate degree in Economics. She managed to pass the NET on her first attempt during her MA studies. She is currently pursuing B Ed at Kerala University College of Teacher Education, Kayamkulam.

It was either Lifina's father or her siblings who used to take her to school and college until she completed her MA. Now, her father drops her at Chavara. From there, she will go to her college by bus with her teacher. Lifina receives constant support from her friends. After listening to the lectures of teachers in class, she will take photocopies of her friends' notes. Her sister Lija, a BTech graduate, will read out all the notes for her. This will be recorded. Lifina writes the exam with the help of a scribe.