Ketaki Jani, an Alopecian Model, shares her inspirational journey of resilience and self-discovery. She introduces us to the medical condition known as Alopecia, a term unfamiliar to many, despite its global impact on millions of people. Alopecia is a disorder that gradually leads to hair loss, eventually leaving individuals completely bald. It not only strips away their hair but also erodes confidence, willpower, and the courage to face society.
Her story begins in mid-June 2010, when she first noticed hair loss. Initially, she dismissed it as a common hair fall issue, believing her hair would naturally grow back. However, after consulting a doctor, she learned that she was dealing with a serious medical condition-Alopecia Areata, a subtype of Alopecia resulting in total hair loss. Despite beginning prescribed treatments, she lost all her hair within eight months. At one point, she even contemplated suicide, but her love and responsibility for her children became her driving force, leading her to embrace life with newfound strength.
Living with Alopecia involves not only coping with the medical aspects but also challenging the societal taboos surrounding hair loss. In India, where these taboos are particularly prevalent, individuals with Alopecia face not only the challenges of the condition but also the judgmental gazes of society. Ketaki herself has experienced being excluded from social gatherings, branded as a bad omen due to her condition.
Her mission is to raise awareness about Alopecia and promote acceptance. She emphasizes that true beauty cannot be confined to conventional standards and that individuals are uniquely beautiful, just as nature intended. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Ketaki Jani is a pioneering figure in the Indian modeling industry, known for breaking barriers as the First Alopecian (hairless) model in India. However, her life took a turn in May 2010, when she started experiencing rapid hair loss due to alopecia, leading to emotional turmoil. Overcoming deep depression, she courageously embraced her unique appearance, defying societal expectations and empowering alopecia patients worldwide.
Ketaki's impressive career spans modeling, beauty pageants, advocacy, and media presence. She made history by winning the prestigious "Mrs. Universe Women of Confidence 2018" title and has received various awards for her contributions, including the "Bharat Prerna" Award, "Women of Worthiness" Award, "Wonder Women Award 2021," "Iinspire Award 2022," and "Gatha Gujarati 2023."
She actively raises awareness about alopecia, hosts the podcast "Baal Ho Na Ho," writes columns for Mumbai Samachar, and is featured in interviews by major publications and TV channels. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx