In the TEDx talk “Three More Years: Redefining Hope Beyond a Cure,” Khansa Maria shares her poignant journey through her battle with a chronic illness. Through her compelling narrative, Khansa illustrates that hope is not solely defined by the quest for a cure but can be reimagined in the face of adversity. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and redefining one’s purpose beyond the confines of disease. By sharing personal stories and insights, Khansa inspires others to continue finding light in their lives, encouraging them to cherish every moment and foster deep connections with those around them. This talk serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope can be transformed into a source of strength, motivating individuals to live fully and, ultimately, redefine what a meaningful life looks like despite challenges. Khansa’s message resonates deeply, leaving viewers with a renewed sense of purpose and an understanding that life can be rich and fulfilling, even beyond the notion of a cure.
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Author Video Description
In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Khansa Maria, a blind Rhodes Scholar and disability advocate, redefines what it means to hope. Through stories of growing up blind in Pakistan, relentless visits to doctors, and chasing the illusion of a cure, she challenges the idea of “normal” and explores how fulfillment and impact can emerge not despite disability but alongside it. Her message is one of radical acceptance, resilience, and the kind of hope we build not wait for. Khansa Maria is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility. She is currently pursuing her DPhil (PhD) in Education at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. With lived experience of blindness, she brings a powerful voice to conversations on reimagining normalcy, challenging societal perceptions, and promoting inclusive education. Khansa is also a disability consultant and public speaker who has worked across Pakistan and internationally to advance accessibility in policy, education, and technology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Three More Years: Redefining Hope Beyond a Cure | Khansa Maria | TEDxAitchison College Youth” was uploaded on 06/11/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks