“Chandigarh Teen Overcomes Acid Attack to Score 95.6% in Class 12 Boards”
A Story of Determination and Resilience
In an inspiring tale of courage, 17-year-old Kafi from Chandigarh has defied all odds, scoring an outstanding 95.6% in her CBSE Class 12 boards. Despite a life-changing acid attack at the age of three that left her blind, Kafi’s ambition and determination have been unshaken.
The Tragic Attack and Unwavering Spirit
Kafi’s life took a tragic turn when a neighbor threw acid at her during a family dispute, leaving her permanently blind. However, the incident did not extinguish her dreams. After undergoing years of treatment for her injuries, Kafi enrolled in the Institute for the Blind in Chandigarh, where she has excelled in her studies.
Family Support and Unbreakable Resolve
Coming from a humble background, Kafi’s father, Pawan, works as a peon in the Haryana Secretariat, and her mother, Suman, is a homemaker. Both of her parents only studied up to Class 5, but they were determined to provide Kafi with every opportunity they did not have. Despite the challenges, Kafi was promoted directly from Class 2 to Class 6, following her treatment.
Dreaming Big: IAS Aspirations
With a strong determination to overcome every obstacle, Kafi aims to become an IAS officer. She shared, “Initially, it was difficult. But I kept studying, and it became easier. My dream is to become an IAS officer.” Kafi devotes 2-3 hours daily to her studies, and her hard work has paid off with impressive marks.
A Beacon of Hope
Kafi’s remarkable academic achievement is a testament to her perseverance. She had also scored 95.2% in her Class 10 exams. However, her journey is far from over. The family is currently involved in a legal battle to seek justice for Kafi, as she continues to fight for her rights. “I am studying hard so that one day, I can fight my case and get justice,” she said.
Institute for the Blind: Celebrating Success
Kafi is not the only success story at the Institute for the Blind in Chandigarh. Alongside her, Sumant Poddar secured second place with 94%, and Gursharan Singh came third with 93.6%. In the Class 10 exams, Sunny Kumar Chauhan topped the school with 86.2%, followed by Sanskriti Sharma with 82.6%, and Nitika with 78.6%.
Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired Students
One of the biggest hurdles for visually impaired students is the scarcity of accessible study material. Audio books and Braille books are often not available, and students heavily rely on online platforms like YouTube. Sumant Poddar shared, “I studied when I felt like it. I also played cricket with my friends when I could. Audio books and YouTube were a huge help.”
Overcoming Obstacles: The Strength of Visually Impaired Students
Gursharan Singh, who studied in the Hindi medium, faced additional challenges in finding audiobooks. “I had to get others to record books for me. But these hardships made me stronger,” he said.
Support from CBSE for Students with Disabilities
The CBSE provides significant support for students with disabilities, including exemptions like a scribe facility, extra time during exams, and flexibility in subject choices. This support has played a crucial role in the success of these students.
Kafi’s incredible journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hope, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles life presents.
