We want equality, not sympathy: Miss Deaf Asia 2018
(WorldNews Asia)

New Delhi: She is an accomplished lawn tennis player, and she even knows judo. In 2018, she became the first Indian woman to bag the title of Miss Deaf Asia. Nishtha Dudeja, who has beaten the odds despite a severe hearing loss, has been a source of inspiration to many. Societal prejudice against the specially-abled, however, upsets her. “I don’t like it when people show sympathy towards the disabled. It makes me sad. We are a part of society and we deserve equal respect and treatment. Disability shold not be considered a stigma or a taboo. I want people to look up to me for strength...