Blind students under the Economically Weaker Section category made a mark for themselves despite their limitations. The average score of a group of 20 such students is 7 CGPA in the class 10 board exams. 

They are put up at the National Association for the Blind. “The National Association for the Blind prepares them for their integration into mainstream schools,” said principal Shantha Rangarajan. The students go to different schools.

Saroj Mawari, a daughter of a canteen attendant, has fared well in class 10 exams. “I had a troubled childhood. I could not study at home, so I insisted my teachers to shift me to the National Association for the Blind,” Saroj told Deccan Herald. “I shifted here last year, and I was able to concentrate on my studies. I want to do better in future,” said Saroj, a student of Salwan Public School.

She has got a 7.8 CGPA. She wants to become a music teacher; no wonder she scored a perfect 10 CGPA in Music. “I am fond of singing and reading. I want to play instruments, but there is nobody to teach me.”

She got depressed in 2011 as things were not smooth at home. “But that year I won Rs 20,000 in a workshop. So I was motivated and I decided to work hard,” Saroj added.

She credits her teachers for the success. “My teachers are very precious to me. They have helped me throughout the year. I have always been looked after well in the school.”

Shiv Shanker Murya, son of an auto-rickshaw driver, has also overcome hurdles to score 7 CGPA in class 10. His mother works as a domestic help.

“I am very happy. I have studied hard. I know if I work hard I will get success,” said Shiv, a student of DAV Vasant Kunj. He wants to become a web designer. 

He said since class 8 he has been working hard. “In class 8, I got half mark out of 80 in chemistry. I got scoldings from everyone. So I decided to work harder,” said Murya.
Another student, Cynthia Singh of Salwan Public School, has scored 9.6 CGPA. 

“I can’t believe that I have done so well. The credit goes to my parents and my teachers, who have always supported me,” said a jovial Cynthia.

But there were hardships on the way. “I missed a lot of classes due to my operation. I have been operated twice on eyes in the last one year, so I couldn’t go to school,” she added.

Like all others, self study did the trick for her. “I studied till midnight during exams. There is no substitute for hard work,” Cynthia said.

Source: The Deccan Herald