Seventeen-year-old Kafi, from Chandigarh, has defied all odds, scoring an impressive 95.6% in her CBSE Class 12 exams, despite the severe challenges she has faced. Kafi was just three years old when a neighbor threw acid at her during a family dispute, permanently blinding her. However, her determination to succeed remained unshaken.
A Journey of Courage and Determination
After undergoing years of medical treatment for her injuries, Kafi joined the Institute for the Blind in Chandigarh, where she continued her education. Despite the emotional and physical scars left by the acid attack, Kafi’s ambition never wavered. She quickly progressed in her studies, moving directly from Class 2 to Class 6.
Kafi’s father, Pawan, works as a peon in the Haryana secretariat, while her mother, Suman, is a homemaker. Both of her parents, who studied only until Class 5, have been unwavering in their support for Kafi’s dreams, ensuring she received every opportunity they were unable to.
Aiming for the IAS
Kafi has set her sights on becoming an IAS officer and has been studying for about 2-3 hours daily. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Initially, it was very difficult. But I kept studying and it became easier. My dream is to become an IAS officer.”
Kafi had also achieved an outstanding 95.2% in her Class 10 boards, further showcasing her resilience and academic brilliance.
Fighting for Justice
While excelling in her studies, Kafi’s family is also involved in a legal battle to seek justice for the acid attack. She is determined to continue her education to one day fight her case and bring those responsible to justice.
Success Stories at the Institute for the Blind
Kafi’s achievements are not isolated. The Institute for the Blind in Chandigarh has seen several success stories. Alongside Kafi, Sumant Poddar secured 94%, and Gursharan Singh achieved 93.6% in their Class 12 exams. In Class 10, Sunny Kumar Chauhan topped the school with 86.2%.
Overcoming Challenges with Limited Resources
Visually impaired students face unique challenges in accessing study materials. Audio books and Braille books are not always readily available, so many students rely on online resources like YouTube. Sumant Poddar, who achieved second place, shared, “I studied when I felt like it. Audio books and YouTube were a huge help.”
Gursharan Singh, who faced the added challenge of studying in Hindi, had to rely on others to record books for him. Despite these obstacles, he remains determined: “These hardships made me stronger.”
Support for Visually Impaired Students
The CBSE provides several exemptions for students with visual and other disabilities. These include a scribe facility, compensatory time during exams, and flexibility in choosing subjects, which helps level the playing field for these students.
Kafi’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and the unwavering support of family and community. Her success is not only a personal victory but also an inspiration for many others facing adversity.
