She may not be able to see. But that hasn't dented her spirit to live her life to the fullest. GN Sangeetha, 38, was barely seven when she lost her eyesight to a brain tumour. Her cornea was intact and she has now pledged to donate her eyes so at least two persons can see. Today, she guides and inspires many like her by sharing her experiences.

"After my surgery, life has always been very different. I got special treatment from my parents, sisters, family and friends. I also got special toys to play with as a kid and I really enjoyed my childhood, especially summer vacations, playing in the coconut gardens of my native place," Sangeetha told TOI. With her never-say-die spirit, she went on to do her MA in Women Studies and then a PhD, the first visually challenged woman in the state to be awarded a doctorate by Bangalore University.

"I went to New Public English School, Vijayanagar and completed by schooling there under the Integrated Education System. Till Class 6, I used to give my exams orally and after that I was provided a scribe to write my papers," she said. Her thesis was drawn from her life - 'Role of women's organizations in Empowerment of Distressed Women in Karnataka.' She now works with the Women's Studies department at NMKRV College for Women.

She's also the author of two books. She says: "I want to work and fight for the rights and upliftment of helpless and handicapped women." She's also a counsellor and has motivated many depressed and suicidal people, lifting them out of their woes.