Nirjeet's story: living beyond the labels
Nirjeet developed vitiligo as a child and spent years navigating misconceptions about his condition. Marking World Vitiligo Day, he shares how stigma, language and assumptions affected his confidence and mental wellbeing, and why greater understanding matters.
In this article
Early experiences of vitiligo
When Nirjeet developed vitiligo as a child, he did not fully understand what was happening to his skin. What he did understand was that people always seemed to have an explanation.
"I heard things like, 'You must have had fish and milk together and now you have white patches' or 'Have you burnt yourself?' Looking back, those comments weren't born from cruelty, but from misunderstanding, fear and deep-rooted cultural myths."
As he grew older, the language surrounding his condition changed, but the misconceptions remained.
People would tell me I had a disease, that it must be genetic, and even that my future children would inherit it. None of these things were true for me.
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
While vitiligo can sometimes run in families, Nirjeet's experience was very different.
"No one else in my family has it – not my siblings, their children or my extended family. Yet facts like these often take a back seat to stigma."
The impact of words
For Nirjeet, the biggest challenge was not the condition itself, but the assumptions that came with it.
Language is powerful. It shapes how others see us and, more importantly, how we see ourselves.
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
Over time, he found himself internalising the labels and misconceptions he heard from others.
"For a long time, I absorbed those assumptions. I found it hard to accept my condition and felt like something was deeply wrong with me. I would ask God, 'What did I do wrong to deserve this?'"
Those thoughts had a profound effect on his confidence and wellbeing.
People often focus on the visible side of vitiligo, but they don't always see the emotional impact. For me, it took a huge toll on my mental health.
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
More than a visible difference
Living with a visible skin condition can affect much more than appearance, and Nirjeet believes this is an important part of the conversation.
"Mental health is a central part of this conversation. Living with a visible difference can feel deeply isolating. The stares, unsolicited remarks and the sense of being seen before being heard are emotionally draining."
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
Like many people living with visible skin conditions, there were times when he felt defined by his appearance rather than recognised for who he was as a person.
However, over time, his perspective began to change. Learning more about vitiligo, challenging misconceptions and developing greater self-acceptance helped him build confidence in his own skin.
Challenging stigma through understanding
Today, Nirjeet is passionate about raising awareness of vitiligo and encouraging more informed conversations around visible skin conditions.
He believes that reducing stigma starts with the words people choose and the assumptions they are willing to challenge.
"My vitiligo, once an insecurity, is now my superpower."
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
By sharing his experience, Nirjeet hopes to help others move beyond myths and misconceptions, and to encourage greater understanding of the emotional impact that living with a visible skin condition can have.
Nirjeet Singh Gorvara
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