That paid off by giving way to a talent for writing, and at age 9 she became a published author, of a story of how Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and success, acquired his elephant's head.
Proceeds from the book were used to buy an exercise bike for Takapuna's Wilson Home, where she was treated for her condition.
Last year she published an autobiography to raise money for Starship, where she received long-awaited corrective surgery, and this month donated $500 of her birthday money to support the Breakfast Club programme for low decile schools in Auckland.
A longer-term goal is to raise money to build a girls' school in a small Indian village.
The Attitude Trust says fundraising and writing have given Ms Devta a huge confidence boost, helping her to overcome her shyness.
She is now a presenter of a popular programme on Radio Tarana called "You and Muskan".
The winners are
Matthew Weir - Auckland (Courage in Sport)
Craig Jessop - Whangarei (Spirit of Attitude)
Corey Peter - New Plymouth (Sports Performer of the Year)
Mary Fisher - Wellington (Youth Award)
Muskan Devta - Auckland (Junior Award)
Paul Barrett - Auckland (Artistic Achievement)
Selwyn Cook - Hamilton (ACC Employer Award)
Lyn Cotton - Christchurch (Making a Difference)
Jess Quinn - Auckland (People's Choice)
John (J B) Munro (former IHC chief executive) - Mosgiel (inductee to the Attitude Hall of Fame).
