Their short stature is no obstacle for twin sisters, Asha and Tina Patni, who are appearing in the SSC examinations this year. The sisters, who are just 1.5 feet tall, live in the Bapunagar area of the city.
Their short stature is no obstacle for twin sisters, Asha and Tina Patni, who are appearing in the SSC examinations this year. The sisters, who are just 1.5 feet tall, live in the Bapunagar area of the city.
For most examinees, the goal is to score good marks in the Board exams. The sisters, however, are appearing in the examinations just to prove to the world that they are not helpless and to change people's attitude towards short statured people.
"My sisters wanted to prove to others that even short people can study like those with normal height and can take exams. I am so proud of them," said Vinod Patni, an auto driver who is the elder brother of the girls.
Life took an unpleasant turn for the two girls when they reached Standard II. They were teased by their classmates and other people so badly that they dropped out of school. "Our classmates used to tease us for our short stature. This filled us with fear and frustration, so much so that we decided not to go out anywhere," said Tina, who is 25 years old.
But nothing could discourage the girls from studying. Keeping in mind the hostility they faced at school, the school authorities were asked to permit the girls to study from home and appear in the exams.
"This went on till standard 7," Vinod said. "My sisters were too scared to move out. They studied from home till standard 7 but after that they decided to give up studies due to some crisis." However, after a break in studies that lasted 10 years, two noble souls, their relative Kewal and their teacher Bharat Chhapan told them to study. The two men helped in building up their confidence.
"Last year, Kewal motivated us to study and become independent. But we failed as we had just four months for preparations. But this year, we are determined and we want to do well," said Asha, who is 26 years old. Bharat Chhapan, their teacher, told DNA that it was difficult motivating the girls to study. "They had lost all confidence and didn't even go out of home. In studies, they are okay and grasp things quickly."
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