Afsra Panhwar: A Journey of Perseverance and Growth

By Afsra Panhwar

On March 14th, the world was blessed with a child—one who grew up among intellectual siblings, listening to classical poetry and collecting old letters and cards while other children played with toys. This child, battling OCD, ADHD, and severe asthma, navigated school life through trauma and extreme financial hardship.

There were days when I wore old, hand-me-down school uniforms from neighbors, studied from used textbooks, and sometimes went to school on an empty stomach. After my father’s death, our family faced immense crises, surviving on a meager income. Society questioned why a girl like me was sent to a private school when we could barely afford it. “What will she do with an education?” they mocked. But I persevered.

A Fight Against All Odds

Despite the taunts, despite the doubts, I not only completed school but passed college with exceptional grades. My family wanted me to become a doctor, but deep inside, I was always an artist—something the rigid school system tried to suppress. My heart longed for creativity, expression, and storytelling, but in a society that prioritized conventional careers, my passion was seen as a distraction rather than a strength.

When I finally got into university on a scholarship, I chose Social Sciences. I still remember the harassment, the sarcasm, and the discouragement, but I never stopped. I later enrolled in an Arts university and, after completing my Bachelor’s, moved to Lahore to pursue an MPhil in Art Education at Beaconhouse National University. This was not just an academic pursuit; it was an act of defiance against a system that had tried to limit me.

The Transition to a New Identity

Stepping into the world of academia, research, and art was like stepping into my true self. I explored interdisciplinary studies, delved into social sciences, and embraced filmmaking as a means of storytelling. The journey was never easy. Moving to Lahore on my own, facing the challenges of a new city, and juggling studies with financial responsibilities pushed me beyond my limits. But each struggle shaped me into who I am today.

I found solace in my work, expressing my experiences through research and artistic mediums. My love for storytelling translated into filmmaking, and I used my creative lens to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, societal injustices, and the power of resilience. My work became my voice—a voice that had once been silenced by hardship and societal norms.

From Struggle to Strength

Today, as my birthday approaches in three days, I look back at the journey. From that struggling girl to an interdisciplinary researcher, social scientist, artist, filmmaker, and now an officer in a reputable organization, my struggle continues, but so does my growth. I am no longer the girl who was questioned for seeking education; I am now the woman who has carved a space for herself in a world that tried to push her down.

I reflect on the nights of silent tears, the days of unrelenting effort, and the moments of doubt that threatened to consume me. But I also remember the small victories—the scholarships, the appreciation from mentors, the recognition of my work, and the realization that I was not just surviving but thriving.

The Power of Self-Belief

As I celebrate another year of life, I embrace the lessons I have learned. I have realized that success is not defined by wealth, social status, or conventional achievements; it is defined by the courage to stay true to oneself despite adversity. It is in the resilience to rise after every fall, in the determination to keep moving forward even when the road is uncertain.

I speak to that little girl inside me—the one who once felt unworthy, unwanted, and lost. “Afsra, see how far we have come.” And I promise her that no matter how tough the road ahead may be, we will keep pushing forward, breaking barriers, and writing our own story—one chapter at a time.