Sakshi, a bright and sensitive young girl from a family of five, endured constant teasing because of her dark complexion. Children around her, including classmates, would mockingly call her “Kaali” (black), turning her name into a source of ridicule. No matter how many times she tried to explain that their words hurt her, her protests were dismissed or ignored. The emotional weight of these experiences began to affect her confidence and sense of identity. It wasn’t until she was introduced to a comic book reading session as part of a life skills initiative at school that something shifted. Sakshi came across the story “Gayab Haathi”, where a boy named Vivek was teased as ‘Haathi’ (elephant) because of his size. For the first time, she saw her own pain reflected in someone else’s story—and it gave her strength.

Inspired by Vivek’s courage, Sakshi began speaking to her classmates, not with anger, but with examples and stories from the comic. She helped them understand how it feels to be labeled and laughed at for something as natural as skin tone. Her transformation peaked during a classroom role-play session where she bravely shared her experience in front of everyone. This raw honesty moved her classmates, and for the first time, they recognized the hurt they had caused. The teasing stopped. They began calling her by her real name—Sakshi—a small but powerful act of respect and acknowledgment.

Sakshi now uses the same stories to gently remind others that mocking someone’s appearance is not just ‘fun and games.’ She says, “Everyone loves their name. When people distort it or use it to mock you, it feels like they’re mocking who you are.” Her teacher, reflecting on this shift, observed how teasing often snowballs into deep emotional scars that children carry quietly. While scolding can silence a child momentarily, true behavioral change only comes when they understand the impact of their actions.

Thanks to the Pehchaan comic book sessions and a nurturing classroom environment, Sakshi found not only her voice but also the confidence to stand up for herself with grace. Her journey shows the deep impact that empathy, storytelling, and emotional education can have—not just on individuals, but on entire peer groups. What began as a painful experience of bullying has now transformed into a story of empowerment and emotional growth, making Sakshi a beacon of courage and kindness in her community.