If deaf and blind Gaurav Kumar Singh is able to give his SSC exams then he will pave the way for others with multiple disabilities to become educated and live an independent life. So his teachers at Sobati Parents Association (an NGO) in Thane and Helen Keller Institute of Mumbai are in talks with the state education board to allow him to appear for board exams in 2017.
Gaurav, a 21-year-old resident of Balkumbh in Thane, is extremely fond of studies. His favorite subjects include history and languages. He is so much in love with his studies that he finds it difficult to pick a subject which he does not like. "I love history as it gives us a lot of information. I like maths though it is difficult and I love everything about all the subjects I study," he said.
His education started when he was 13 years old. "His mother Santosh, a cancer patient, wants him to be educated. She came in contact with us when he was 13," said Usha Prakash Bal, director, Sobati Parents association, which has a branch in Thane and another in Andheri. "He is good at grasping and understanding varied subjects and has passed his class VII exams from a municipal school in Thane," she added.
The 10-year-old association works with blind children who have multiple disabilities such as autism, learning disabilities and deafness. The association teaches such special kids life skills such as brushing their teeth and bathing, and imparts vocational training to set the children upon their own feet.
Devyani Hatkar, a teacher from the Helen Keller Institute (HKI) in Mumbai, is also helping Gaurav to achieve his dream of appearing for the SSC exam. She told dna, "Though (the state education board) allow students with single disabilities like blindness, autism and other handicaps to appear for board exams, even they have no experience in dealing with students with multiple disabilities."
She added, however, that their response has been "positive" so far.
Even as the board, Sobati association and his teachers figure out a way for him to achieve his dreams, Gaurav has already thought of what he wants to do after passing the SSC. "I will study till 13th and then get a job in BMC like my father Vijayshankar," he said.
Meanwhile, Sobati association, which has acquired land in Wada to build a residential school for such students, is currently raising funds for the project. The association charges Rs200 per month as fees for the students who can afford to pay while the underprivileged are not charged anything. "We function totally on donations and for building our school we will need funds," says Bal.
Those interested in donating money to this good cause can call up 93222 10708/91675 44409 or email prakaaaa@gmail.com.
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