THIS MAN was born with moles covering EIGHTY PER CENT of his face, leading to cruel trolls calling him ‘dung face.’
Student Prabhulal Prasannan (24) from Kerala, India, has been a celebrity since birth. With news of the moles that cover eighty per cent of his face spreading quickly throughout his town, Prabhulal was constantly the centre of attention whilst growing up – no matter where he went. Strangers would stare at him and whisper about his unique look, and children would look visibly afraid.
When Prabhulal started school, he would sit alone at lunch time because other children were scared of the way he looked and would bully him relentlessly as a result. On one occasion when attending a school science fair, Prabhulal had a group of children follow after him and taunt him by asking if he had ‘dung’ on his face.
According to Prabhulal, even some of his teachers would avoid standing close to him. Prabhulal was in constant fear of being mocked when he attended public events including weddings and festivals and lived in a world of isolation as a result. For Prabhulal, these experiences were heartbreaking and led to him spending hours questioning why God had burdened him with his condition.
When starting college, Prabhulal hoped that attitudes towards his birthmark would change. However, on his very first day, he once again encountered other students screaming and running away from him. Prabhulal wondered if his dream of being able to lead a normal life was far-fetched. In his darkest moments, Prabhulal even considered ending his life. Realising in these moments that the misconceptions strangers had about him would not change on their own, Prabhulal decided in an instant that he was no longer going to hide his face away or be ashamed of who he truly was.
Posting pictures of himself and his birthmarks on social media for the first time in 2017, Prabhulal soon had dozens of comments each day from strangers who said how much of an inspiration he is and even commented on his handsome looks. “When I was born, outside of the hospital was crowded with people who wanted to see ‘the different child.’ In a way, I have been a celebrity all of my life,” said Prabhulal. “During my childhood and adolescence, I went through a lot of heartbreaking experiences. “In class I had to sit alone on a bench with no one around. The other kids were scared to sit next to me and I had to stand alone when everyone else was playing together. “I was afraid to get on the bus to go to school for fear that I would be bullied. “At events such as children’s festivals and science fairs I had children walk behind teasing me asking ‘Is there dung or mud on your face?’ Even teachers from other schools, including exam invigilators, kept away from me when they came to collect the papers. “Whenever I went to the temple for a festival or to a wedding or any public event, I was constantly fearful of being mocked in front of people and so I lived in a world of isolation, fear and ridicule. “When I left school, I went to college with the expectation that things would be different. I thought that because the children were older that they would understand me. “I thought my troubles would go away and my dreams were going to come true but the first time I went to class, once again, children screamed in fear and ran away which made me very depressed. “I thought to myself, ‘Is my birthmark destroying my dreams of studying, getting a good job, supporting my family, traveling, inspiring others and helping those in need?’
“There were moments when I even thought of ending my life. “I was mistaken in thinking that society would change their mind about me when I grew up. “I realised that the misconceptions that exist in society do not change by themselves and that we must bring about that change ourselves. “I decided that I was not going to hide my face away anymore but instead, try and change people’s perceptions by showing that despite looking different I am just as capable of achieving my dreams. “I posted pictures of my moles on social media and soon had lots of messages of support from strangers.”
Prabhulal’s moles have continued to grow throughout his life and he has researched the potential of having them surgically removed. However, doctor’s have said that the extent of the growth, especially on the right side of his face, makes such surgery a significant risk.
For now at least, Prabhulal is happy to display his moles and hopes that by doing so, he can inspire others to know that beauty truly comes from within. The 24-year-old has gone on to study for a Master’s of commerce degree and hopes that his education and new-found confidence will allow his dream of getting a job and standing on his one two feet a reality. “Those who used to make fun of me before now speak proudly of me,” said Prabhulal. “We must decide how others will view us and so I decided that people would no longer look at me with sympathy but with pride. “My black moles are my identity. “I have learned to love my identity and I realise that I am unique in this world.”
For more information see www.mediadrumworld.com.
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