"The dictionary doesnt have the right word to explain how i feel now" says ummul,a cerebral palsy affected girl on her college convocation day.she passed out of M.O.P vaishnav college with B.A sociology.inspite of being physically challenged,ummul with her sheer confidence,opyimistic approach and inner strength has achieved this level.she is unlike other girls graduating every year.she is undoubtedly someone special..met this achiever at vidyasagar home for an article to my magazine.first thing i noticed about her was her unstriking confidence
let me explain her condition first.she has been affected by cerebral palsy,a brain defect since childhood.cerebral palsy is a brain dysfunction in which the motor functions of the brain is affected and hence both the hands and legs are immovable except 2 fingers.poor memory,disrupted speech also troubled herjust because of her condition she was not sent to school till 12 years of age.almost 12 years she was at home with wheelchair as her soul supportout of her own interest she started learning english alphabets at the age of 16.when asked about her schooling she excitedly says.."those few years were the most happiest moments in my life. I did my 10th exams in a private school in which there will be 6 months gap between each exam exclusively for special kids like me. i wanted to join school but my choice was not special school.my dream to study with the normal children came true when kindhearted principal of lady andal school gave me a seat.i managed to finish my plus 2 exams within 2 years with the help of my friends.i used to record my teachers notes and learn slowly by listening to it.we used to have good fun which i had missed all through my dry childhood.i never knew about the outside world until i started studying..
ummul has passed plus 2 with reasonable marks after which she joined M.O.P vaishnav college.this might sound simple but life has not been that easy for ummul. getting ready to college itself has been a huge for this girl.she has to get up at 3am for 8am college hour,as it will take ample of time to just do her basic things and get ready.."i know iam slow,but picked up little speed after years of physiotherapy excercise.iam 30 now,i would have finished my college studies at the right age if my parents had sent me to school at the right age.lack of awareness about my problem was my major drawback" reasons ummul
she is recently back from america after a month leadership programme.right now she is a first year law student in ambedkar law college chennai.ummul cant remember names and numbers,she has failed several times in her school hisrory exams.but as far as i watched her everything is possible according to her.." law is a great challenge to me,hope i complete 4 years of law and defnetly one day will fight for the fundamental rights of physically challenged" says an evidently angry ummul
I have seen children who do not study inspite of good health and all the hitech facilities at home.amomg such lazy students ummul stands unique.her thirst to study speaks volumes about the importance of learning in one's life..
I quit the habit of complaining after i met this girl..
