There’s no Stopping Girija Srinivas, Rare Disease or Not

Girija Srinivas suffers from congenital agenesis. Her limbs are paralysed, but her spirit is still going strong.

A rare disease may have crippled her limbs, but 19-year-old Girija Srinivas is not someone who gives up.

Girija, who suffers from congenital agenesis, can’t grow beyond 2.5 feet— her current height. Though she has a fair idea that she may never be able to stand on her feet, Girija is neither ashamed of acknowledging her condition, nor does she let it get in her way.

The Bengaluru-based teenager exudes a charm which is difficult to miss. Her exuberance is what keeps her going and at the end of the day, is what gives her strength to fight against all odds.

“Girija loves to talk and will instantly form a bond with you,” Nanda, her mother, says.

At 12kgs, Girija is limited to her bed and can’t lift her head as that can fracture her bones. And yet, this has not hampered her skills.

She loves art and has made several paintings over the years. A multi-tasker, she also makes jewellery and though she tried her hand at embroidery, she wasn’t able to pursue it as it hurt her fingers.

Currently she has taken to quilling, which she learnt from watching art shows on television.

Most of her paintings are depictions of Ganesha. “The first painting I made was of Ganesha and since then I love to draw him,” she says.

According to her mother, art runs in the family. “My father and brother are also fond of painting. Girija got interested in making art while watching me do artwork,” she says.

Girija lives with her father, mother and elder brother in the city. Her mother helps her conduct her day-to-day activities. “My joy comes from fulfilling her wishes,” says Nanda.

Girija is quick to quip, “But her greater joy is in fighting with me.”

Though Girija never got the opportunity to receive formal schooling, she can converse in five languages- Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English- most of which she has learnt from watching television. What’s more? She even turns out to be an ardent WWE fan, Girjia squeaks, “John Cena is my favourite.”

But nothing can replace her penchant for watching films. A poster of actor Rajkumar in the room hints at her fondness for him. Nanda says, “The day Rajkumar got kidnapped, I found her crying in front of the television. Now she follows his son, Puneeth Rajkumar.”

As Girija eagerly waits to watch Puneeth’s latest release “Rana Vikrama”, which is running in theatres, her mother says she’ll have to wait till it is aired on television.

Though well-wishers had told Girija’s family to take her story to the media, Nanda was initially skeptical and guarded her daughter from the public glare for almost two decades.

But last year she had gone to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister to seek financial help. Ever since then, media has constantly expressed an interest in their lives. Recently, Barcroft TV released a video on Girija.

Under the financial assistance scheme for the disabled, Girija’s family gets Rs 1,200 from the government. However, the amount provided proves to be insufficient to bear the high medical expenses. For instance, sometimes Girija needs oxygen cylinders to assist in her breathing, as her lungs are underdeveloped.

However, the spunky teen doesn’t want to be known for her rare medical condition. Girija wants to be an artist in the future.

And with her efforts, and the support of her family and friends, looks like nothing can stop her from realising her dream.