12/04/2025
"From Kaania Bou to Purnima – A Journey of Light and Dignity"
In the quiet village of Odapada, everyone knew her as Kaania Bou—the “blind bride.” Few remembered her real name: Purnima. She arrived there nearly four decades ago, a young girl barely into her teens, sent off to her new home as a bride. But instead of warmth, she was met with ridicule—mocked for her appearance, her clumsiness, and most of all, her poor eyesight.
The nickname Kaania Bou stuck from the very day she stumbled over a water bucket, unaware it was even there. “Are you blind?” someone had shouted. And just like that, the name—and the label—stayed with her for life.
Years passed, and the world knew her only by that name… until one day, while accompanying her aging father-in-law to an eye camp at the village school, her life took a turn.
A team from Kalinga Eye Hospital, in collaboration with Shri Rajchandra Love & Care, gently encouraged her to get her eyes tested. The result? Purnima was suffering from high myopia—she wasn’t blind, she just couldn’t see clearly beyond a few meters.
Glasses were arranged and delivered with care. And when she finally wore them—truly seeing the world for the first time—it was a moment of transformation. Tears, joy, disbelief… all rolled into that one precious moment.
Today, the woman once known as Kaania Bou introduces herself with pride: “I am Purnima.” 💫
Huge gratitude to the compassionate team at Kalinga Eye Hospital and Shri Rajchandra Love & Care for restoring not just her vision, but her identity and confidence. ❤️