Basmala Mohamed Fakhry, a young girl from Aswan, Egypt, creates stunning paintings using her mouth despite her physical challenges. She has not only won numerous national and international awards but has also inspired many people with disabilities around the world. Below is an exclusive interview with her by Pahne Parvaz Press:
Pahne Parvaz: Please introduce yourself
Basmala: My name is Basmala Mohamed Fakhry, a 17-year-old girl from Aswan, Egypt. From a young age, I faced significant physical challenges, but these obstacles never diminished my passion for life and art. Painting, which most people do with their hands, has become possible for me through my mouth. After undergoing more than 15 surgeries to help me walk, I was able to pursue one of my greatest passions: painting. I started this journey at the age of four and have been fortunate to win many awards, both nationally and internationally.
Pahne Parvaz: How did you start painting with your mouth?
Basmala: I was passionate about painting from a young age, but due to my physical condition, I couldn’t use my hands. So, I tried painting with my mouth. At first, it was difficult, but gradually, I got used to it and even started participating in competitions. For me, art is not just a hobby, but a way to express my emotions and dreams.
Pahne Parvaz: What encouraged you to continue this difficult journey?
Basmala: The first source of encouragement was my family, who always believed in me and supported me. Besides that, I believe that God has given each person unique talents. We may have disabilities, but that doesn’t mean we can’t succeed in other areas. For me, painting was a way to prove that I could succeed, even when everything seemed challenging.
Pahne Parvaz: What achievements have you accomplished so far?
Basmala: I’ve participated in several national and international competitions and received numerous awards. These achievements have proven to me that with effort and perseverance, we can reach great goals, even in the face of physical challenges. These awards are a testament that limitations exist only in our minds.
Pahne Parvaz: Do you have a message for people living with disabilities?
Basmala: Yes, I would like to tell everyone facing physical challenges like mine to never be ashamed of their condition. We may have limited physical abilities, but God has given us other capacities. We should never view disability as an absolute limitation; rather, we should believe in our potential and use it to progress.
Pahneh Parvaz Press is always keen to introduce individuals who, despite physical disabilities, have achieved remarkable success. Basmala Mohamed Fakhry is one such example, showing that physical limitations can never stand in the way of achieving one’s dreams. Our goal in featuring these individuals is to inspire society to believe in their inner strengths and find new ways to reach success.
