Visually challenged add colour to their dreams

Tears well up in his eyes when he tries to read. He closes his eyes, recalls his dream, and continues with determination. He has never resorted to the Braille system used by visually challenged people to read and write. He has borne the jibes of his classmates, who have the gift of vision. But Rex Antony tasted sweet success when he scored 91.58% in the class XII public examination, the highest in his class.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Karur, worked under the guidance of his mother, a teacher, to overcome every challenge that his condition posed. Rex wants to become an IAS officer, and his father, an electrician, wants to see him succeed. “I don’t worry about the future,” said Rex.

More than 100 visually-impaired students from across the state who scored high marks in the class X and XII examinations were felicitated at an event organised by Nethrodaya, a voluntary organisation on Saturday. B. Valarmathi, minister for social welfare, presented them with medals and certificates.

Perambalur native Vinodhini left her family six years ago to live in a hostel that has facilities for visually-impaired students. Her father, a mason, continues to battle poverty even as one of her brothers suffers from paralysis. Until class VI, she could not understand anything taught in school due to her impairment.

She scored 93.16% in the class XII examination. When her father asked her what she would like as a reward, she said, “I want to study further.” She wants to ensure a financially secure future for her family. “I am not different from normal students. If they can do it, so can I,” she said.

Chennai lad K. Vignesh scored a whopping 96.8% in the class X exam. A student of St. Louis School, Adyar, Vignesh has performed well consistently, his teachers said.