Regularly, a teenager finds himself compelled to prove his Indian heritage to his friends due to the misunderstanding stemming from Aviral Chauhan’s fair complexion.
Each day, a unique genetic trait transforms this 19-year-old teenager into someone unrecognizable.
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition characterized by the loss of melanin pigment in specific areas of the skin. Aviral Chauhan first noticed a white patch near his eye at an early age, and his vitiligo rapidly progressed, consuming most of his skin by the time he was 14.
This dramatic transformation left him looking markedly different from his family, even causing him to struggle to recognize himself in childhood photos.
His time at school was marred by humiliation and relentless teasing from classmates.
“My parents faced countless inquiries about me, to the point where people believed I was adopted.”
Today, Aviral Chauhan constantly grapples with the need to assert his cultural identity. Many online accusers claim that he is appropriating a foreign culture, which is a source of frustration for him.
“It’s infuriating when people accuse me of appropriating a foreign culture. I am a native Indian, and I want that to be known.”
Nevertheless, Aviral now handles these accusations and taunts more gracefully than he did during his school years, thanks to the unwavering support of his family.
“My family never made me feel abnormal due to my appearance. I’ve always felt like a regular person. I’ll forever be grateful to them for that.”
