This year I am going to interview five different people with a visible (or hidden) difference whilst I 'get to know' them a bit better. The purpose of this series is for the readers to have a better insight into their lives/how they would like to be treated whilst hopefully, being just as informative and helpful.šā
Meet Shanka (aka) Thevitiligomanš
I met Shankar through Rory when I saw that he was one of the recommended people to follow with a visible difference, and I was immediately drawn in by smile and drive to raise awareness for people with vitiligo. I kindly asked if he could be apart of this series straight away and I'm so glad because learning more about him was an honor. š
About
Name: Shankar jalotaĀ
Age: 25
What do you do?(Work/school/uni etc): Cyber Security Sales Grad
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What's one thing you want people to know about you?
I am on a mission for more body positivity to be embraced and accepted throughout society. Currently I use Thevitiligoman as a place to share this message through photos, and just started a series called Ā Vitiligo Man Speaks where is video is a small clip of a topic.
What's your #visibledifference ?
VitiligoĀ
What's one thing you want people to know about your #visibledifference ?
That I love it now and wouldnāt change it for the world. But at one point I used to hide it and be ashamed of itĀ
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Cor, good question. I see myself taking The Vitiligo Man to new heights, and I would love to do talks worldwide.
How do you handle being out in public?
Now, I feel absolutely great, I love that I look different and when people stare all I do is smile back. If anyone was ever to approach me in public and ask about what it is I have. Ā I use that as the time to educate them about my visible difference and that it really is something to be celebrated not to be afraid of.
What do you personally do to build up your confidence on a rough day/normally?Ā
Ooooow, Iāve had down days. I read somewhere that if you look in the mirror and smile at yourself thatās supposed to help. I can now say I try and do that. Iāll offer support to other people which always makes me feel great when your able to help others. Other times I watch a YouTube video, I believe itās called āwhy do we fallā no doubt Iāve watched it hundreds of times atleast! And I find it perfect to get me going again.Ā
Ā Your mind can run itās own battles, so feed it something positive to win! And yes, you can win! Ā
Can you share a quote or a message to leave the readers with?
Donāt let your differences define your insecurities, let it define your confidence.Ā
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