For Mandara Sagara, it was a whirlwind of emotions when it came to her skin growing up as a young girl. Sagara, who has carried a big birthmark on her face since birth, grew to accept it after facing innumerable challenges, stereotypes, bullying, and contemplation. Today, Sagara proudly flaunts her birthmark and it's her confidence and acceptance that inspires everyone around her.
In this conversation with SheThePeople, Mandara Sagara recalls her challenges growing up with her face birthmark, how she gradually accepted it as part of who she is, why she continues to advocate skin positivity, and what makes her defy all stereotypes around beauty.
Mandara Sagara's Journey
“I was born with a birthmark and this was not ordinary. It is a big black mark that covers half my face. I did not like it and soon became a showpiece for people. Maa and Baba always had my back. They would comfort me. All they wanted was for me to treat myself normally. I wish society thought the same.
I became the laughingstock of my school. My classmates would tease me. School scared me, I used to hide in the nearby forest. Soon, Dad found out. Maa asked me the reason and I broke down into tears. I hugged her and told them everything. Surprisingly, the next day, my parents accompanied me to school and after a long conversation with the students and teachers, things became near to normal. Little did I know, the world was waiting for me and surely not with open arms.
Growing up, I dreamt of becoming an anchor and went for an audition. Unfortunately, I was rejected. I was told that I could never be a part of this industry. That day, something inside me gave up. People said, ‘I could never get married or have a career!’ Well, nothing ever bothered my parents but I was hurt. God wasn’t unfair after all. I was blessed with the best of friends who had my back just like Mom and Dad.
When I went to pursue engineering, I used to hide my face with a dupatta. One day, I decided to get rid of my mark forever which then seemed ugly to me. I was recommended a laser treatment which claimed to make my mark disappear forever. But, to add to my misery, the treatment was painful as hell. I pursued the same for 2 years but one day, I couldn’t bear the pain and fainted in my class. Finally, after a second opinion, I came to know that my mark covered half of my scalp and if I try to get rid of it, I may end up with cancer or hair loss.
It felt like God was testing me. But then came, the love of my life, Sanjay. Nothing seemed to bother him. When we finally decided to get married I had expected some drama for sure. Although his family wasn’t too comfortable with us tying the knot, Sanjay never left my hand.
Today, when I look in the mirror, I smile and feel proud of how far I’ve come.'
Written and edited by Bhavika Mittal and Aishwarya Soni, Team SheThePeople
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