When Strokenews did a spotlight on Johor in 2015*, we featured young stroke survivor Ratha Renganathan, who suffered her first stroke in 2008 at the age of 24 and her second, just six months later. Her right limbs were paralysed, she lost her speech and memory and was plagued with constant seizures that forced her to stay home.

She had to re-learn her ABC, train her left limbs to do what her right used to do, avoid stress and find a new livelihood. One of Ratha’s wishes, which we mentioned in that article, was to be a success in an art-related business. Why art? Because it was her favourite subject in school that later developed into a hobby. She enrolled for art classes and learned to paint in various mediums such as acrylic and oils.

In May this year, she participated in an international event on Facebook and received an ‘International Golden Art Award’ certificate.

The award, she said, has given her more self- confidence and is also a motivation to create more art pieces. “Art engages me in a way that nothing else does,” Ratha disclosed. “It consumes me in a beautiful way and allows me to express my innermost feelings. This avenue to release my emotions through my paintings leaves me feeling fulfilled and peaceful.”

Let’s fast forward five years to 2020. This plucky 34-year old now paints and sells her art pieces and also runs art classes for children. Next year she hopes to take in adult students as well. Her studio is based in her home where she lives with her mum and a younger sibling.

In the future she hopes to open an art academy and also participate in exhibitions. Art aside, Ratha’s amazing stroke recovery also saw her participating in NASAM’s 2019 Stroke Games and taking home a gold medal in the 300m track event.