Simranjit Singh Makkar ! My friend, Harkawal Singh, who has completed an MA in Punjabi from Delhi University with First Division, is an example that needs to be shared in our society, especially regarding our mother tongue, as it’s not always visible. In a conversation with his mother, Kawaljeet Kaur, she explained that the child progressed due to their hard work. When Harkawal was just two months old, a problem with his eyes was discovered. We sought treatment at hospitals in Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, but everywhere we were told there was no cure for his condition. The illness, known as LMBBS (Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl Syndrome), involves various issues like asthma, obesity, six fingers, and a lack of signals reaching the eyes, among other problems. As the child grows, his vision would deteriorate. This is exactly what happened to Harkaval Singh. He was admitted to the hospital due to an asthma attack, and by the third grade, he had only a slight recognition of colors, which gradually diminished, leading to complete loss of vision today.
From the beginning, we never lost faith in God. Due to this faith, Harkawal never lost courage, and neither did we. My daughter Simrat handles all the paperwork related to Harkawal’s education. His father, Harinder Pal Singh, takes care of getting him ready and sends him to college while looking after him in my absence. My role includes creating audio versions of books, meeting with teachers, preparing papers, and arranging for writers. Thanks to everyone’s collective efforts and hard work, Harkawal Singh has reached this milestone.
Through rigorous effort, love, and care, Harkawal has achieved great heights. I had full faith in God. When I learned that there was no cure for my child, I entrusted everything to Guru Ram Das. My Guru held my child’s hand and opened every path for him. Even though Harkaval cannot see worldly things, his inner vision is clear. I am deeply grateful to God and to Harkawal’s teachers for their support in reaching this point. I want to share with everyone that such children are special to God, and He selects a few special people to serve them. I believe that while raising such children comes with many challenges, faith in God will always support you. These children need your love, faith, and care to progress just like any other child.
I told his mother, “Despite having everything, all the facilities, and today’s advanced technology, we could not study as much he can do. May Guru Sahib bless him and help him achieve even higher goals in the future.”