SRINAGAR: Five specially-abled students from Abhinandan Home, Rambagh, Srinagar, have secured distinctions in the Class 12 examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education.
Mudasir Ahmad, Principal of Abhinandan Home, said that the five students—all deaf and mute—appeared for the Class 12 exams this year and passed with distinction. This is the first time in the school’s 83-year history that students have recorded such results.
The students—Mehran Syed, Shahid Shafi, Sadiq Sarwar, Yawar Manzoor, and Tasif Ahmad Sheikh—scored 459, 442, 436, 435, and 392 marks respectively.
The principal said Abhinandan Home has been a crucial support for such students, adding that hundreds of specially-abled students from the institution have completed Class 12 over the years.
The students shared that they had initially studied in regular schools but faced several challenges. After joining Abhinandan Home, facilities like Braille books, large-print materials, and specialised teaching methods enabled them to excel. They credited their success to their teachers, families, and school staff.
Mehran Syed’s family said he had studied at Zaiba Apa School in Bijbehara before shifting to Abhinandan Home. Shahid Shafi, who is visually impaired, attributed his success to his teachers and family.
The students said they worked harder than others and urged specially-abled peers not to give up. They encouraged others to enrol in special schools to become independent and self-reliant.
However, they expressed concern about the lack of higher education options. “There are no dedicated colleges or inclusive facilities for students like us,” one student said. “We urge the government to set up separate institutions or inclusive sections in existing colleges so we can continue our education without barriers.”
They appealed to the government to address the issue urgently to ensure their educational journeys are not disrupted. (KNO)
