Hajra Bano

From WikiGenius

Hajra Bano (born October 15, 1998) is an Indian nurse, midwife, author, and advocate for specially abled individuals, particularly care leavers. Born in Barabanki, Lucknow, and raised in Gogjipathri, Budgam, Kashmir, she has overcome significant personal challenges, including early parental loss and disability, to become an influential voice for marginalized communities. Hajra is recognized for her contributions to nursing and literature, having authored two books and received the International Excellence Award in 2024.

Early life and background[edit | edit source]

Hajra Bano was born on October 15, 1998, in Barabanki, Lucknow, India, into a family that faced considerable adversity. Her father, Faquir Mohammad Jahara, passed away when she was just five years old, leading to financial hardships that necessitated her placement in the Gulshan-e-Banaat Orphanage, overseen by the Jammu Kashmir Yateem Trust. Raised in the remote village of Gogjipathri in Budgam, Kashmir, Hajra grew up in the orphanage, where she developed a deep sense of resilience and determination. Despite the stigma and challenges associated with being a care leaver, Hajra excelled in her studies, completing her schooling with distinction at the Banaat Institute of Education School.

Education and nursing career[edit | edit source]

Hajra pursued her passion for healthcare by enrolling in the General Nursing and Midwifery program at the Government Ancillary Medical Training, Shreenbagh, Srinagar. Her commitment to nursing was rooted in her desire to help others, a value instilled in her through her own experiences as an orphan and as someone living with hearing loss. Hajra’s dedication to her profession was recognized in 2024 when she was honored with the International Excellence Award in the female category. This award highlighted her exceptional skills as a nurse and midwife and acknowledged her role as a leader and advocate for specially abled individuals and care leavers.

Literary contributions and advocacy[edit | edit source]

Beyond her career in nursing, Hajra Bano is an accomplished author. Her two books, Journey from Darkness to Light and Who Am I: Breaking Barriers as a Specially Abled Care Leaver, explore her personal journey and the broader challenges faced by specially abled individuals and care leavers in India. Her writing serves as both a memoir and a call to action, encouraging greater understanding and support for those who, like her, have faced significant barriers in life. Through her books, Hajra has become a voice for the voiceless, raising awareness about the need for more inclusive and supportive environments for disabled individuals and those growing up in orphanages. Hajra’s advocacy work extends to her involvement with initiatives like LIFT (Learning in Fellowship Together) and Udayan Care New Delhi, where she contributed to a project titled "Problems Faced by Specially Abled Care Leavers." Her efforts aim to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by this marginalized group and to push for systemic changes that ensure better support and opportunities.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Hajra Bano leads a balanced life, deeply rooted in her cultural and personal interests. Despite her love for sweets, she is disciplined in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys traditional Kashmiri foods like Wazwaan and finds comfort in simple pleasures like fried eggs and refreshing drinks such as strawberry shake and guava juice. Her favorite pastimes include watching her beloved actors Lee Min-ho and Yang Yang, and listening to the iconic songs of Lata Mangeshkar. Hajra is also inspired by the determination of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose achievements in sports resonate with her own journey of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence.

Recognition and awards[edit | edit source]

- International Excellence Award (2024): Received in recognition of her outstanding contributions to nursing and her advocacy for specially abled care leavers.

- Published Works: Published Works - Journey from Darkness to Light - Who Am I: Breaking Barriers as a Specially Abled Care Leaver - Legacy and Impact

Hajra Bano’s life story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From her early days in an orphanage in Kashmir to her achievements as a nurse, author, and advocate, she has consistently defied the odds and emerged as a symbol of hope and empowerment for others facing similar struggles. Through her work, Hajra continues to inspire change and advocate for a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

References[edit | edit source]

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