India, Aug. 29 -- Resilience, courage and a never-say-die spirit from her family and friends, as well as exceptional talent in fine arts, have brought 28-year-old Pallavi to the forefront in the city, making her one of the rising stars of visual arts. The story of this little girl began in Rama Mandi, Talwandi Sabo, near Bathinda, on June 5, 1998, to proud parents Rattan Kumar and Parveen Bala and an older doting sister named Ankita. They looked in delight at the pretty little girl with chiselled features and bright eyes. There were no baby-boy chasers; they were happy that their family was now complete.

Looking back, the mother recalls that for six or seven months they had no idea that the child was lacking in any way, but she adds, "Ho...