Equal to the test: Five physically-challenged students express optimism and resolve ahead of their exams : JHARKHAND

Their unshakeable resolve makes these five physically-challenged students a role model for the lakhs of pupils appearing in this year's Jharkhand Board Class-X examination.

Meet Sunil Linda, Anjali Kumari, Suraj Oraon, Prakash Sahu and Sonu Kumar whose determination makes them achievers in their own rights.

A student of the Gandhi Memorial government school in Ramgarh, Sunil is unable to use both hands since birth.





                 The students have been assigned writers individually to answer the questions

The son of a poor farmer will instead use his right leg to write his answers.

The pen held between big toe and its adjacent digit moves in an impressive speed - enough for the teenager to appear for the important examination.

"Disability is not a bar in my studies. I have put all my efforts and hope to get first division marks in the board exam. I will continue my study further to a bright future," Linda says.

Referring to his physical limitation, one of the teachers said: "Being unable to write the exam over a bench and desk, Linda has been allowed to write his exams sitting on the floor by the exam controller."

Sunil's father Sukra Linda hopes that the government will come forward to help his son complete his higher studies. 



A student of the Gandhi Memorial government school in Ramgarh, Sunil is unable to use both hands since birth. The son of a poor farmer will instead use his right leg to write his answers

Like Linda, Anjali Kumari (18) of Ranchi's St Michael Blind School is appearing for the same examination. Anjali lost vision and her lower body was left paralysed due to medicine reaction in 2009. "I was a Class VIII student then when it happened. I went to Vellore and underwent treatment for two years. I learned Braille during this period," she recollects. Anjali's parents admitted her in the blind school in 2012.

Blessed with a sharp mind, Anjali aspires to become a software engineer. "I never consider my disabilities obstacle in reaching my goal," she says.

Visually-challenged Suraj Oraon, Prakash Sahu and Sonu Kumar at Ranchi's Marwari High School are also confident before appearing for their Class-X examination.

Aged between 15-17 years, the three students have been assigned writers individually to answer their question papers.

"We did not face any problem while answering the questions in previous exams as we were well-prepared," a confident Suraj recollects.

"Being specially blessed by the God, we are sure that we will get good results," said Sonu and Peakash of Patratu, adding, "Our strong determination will help us pursue higher studies."

District education officer Mahip Kumar Singh claimed that the department had taken all necessary steps to ensure whatever help these children would require while appearing for the exams.

"According to the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, we have provided writers to all students with low vision and allowed 30 extra minutes to each special examinee to answer their papers, so that they are at ease during the examination," Singh said.




                   Students are confident before appearing for their Class-X examination

Source : Mail Online India Via Daily Mail U.K  , 17th March 2014