Sreelatha Menon/Trissur

Noor Jaleela  is another word for life. She was born without upper and lower limbs, but like life itself she did not let any disability come in her way; she set an example of living a fulfilled and joyful life for people of all genders, religions or whatever disadvantages they face.

A resident of Mayyanad, the Kozhikode district of Kerala, Jaleela was the second daughter of Abdul Kareem. When she was born, she had no forearms and legs due to a congenital disability.

This left the doctors and parents in shock as the scan reports before birth showed no defects and her as absolutely normal.

Noor Jaleela delivering a talk

Their baby girl had hands-only till elbows and legs only until knees. Though the parents were shocked initially, they kept calm and decided to be confident in bringing up their child. 

In fact she has turned her disadvantages in her favour as she flaunts it and is not at all ashamed or embarrassed because of them. She has been a TED X speaker giving inspiration to millions of people all over the world.

Noor Jaleela with her parents and sister

From nine months of age, Noor was given prosthetic legs. After being denied admission into several schools who suggested her parents to admit her in a special school, Noor was finally taken into St. Nobert International School.

"The priest who gave me admission there only wanted to make sure that I can walk and write, I did both", says Noor with pride. She has been singing and also making beautiful art while holding fort as an influencer on social media.

Speaking of her disability, Noor says on the international day for the differently abled: Today is my day. Without any hesitation or grief I would say I’m the luckiest to have born this way. It took me years to be resistant to sympathy and over care.

Noor Jaleela in a happy mood

“I was left out, ignored teased and alone most of the time because of my physical appearance when I was small. During the days when I have terrible pain due to my artificial limb I used to think how lucky the people with legs are. But today my life is easier with my artificial limbs from Ottobock.”

Noor Jaleela says deformity can happen to anybody. So we should be thankful for everything God has gifted us.

She has been in the limelight through her songs and her blogs. Her marriage to Haaji and her joyful moments with him are all documented on her social media and millions of followers have been lapping it up, forgetting for a moment her physical disadvantages.

Noor Jaleela with her husband Haaji

Her bright luminous smile, her songs and her bold and confident attitude has been an inspiration not only for the differentially abled but for all youth and women, including those from the Muslim community.

She covers her head with a stole but does not wear a hijab and in all her posts she comes across with an identity which is entirely her own and not under the shadow of religious or gender labels.

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While attempts to reach out to her did not yield results, she has certainly been changing opinions, inspiring and motivating people with her confidence and her courage.