While speaking to Srujana Akella, a 17-year old girl who has come out with flying colours in CPT (Common Proficiency Test) with a score of 152 out of 200, you do not realise that she is suffering from a grave limitation as she sounds so positive and composed.
Her competitive spirit and the way she carries herself makes it difficult for one to accept the fact that she is a visually challenged person. Her vision deteriorated during her school days due to retinitis pigmentosa. Though the ophthalmologist said that the vision would stay for some time, she lost it in a very short period, lamented her mother A. Haritha.
At present, she can only see a little bit of light and moving objects. But Srujana refuses to think that she is any different from others and appears to be quite confident. “Physical defect should not stop anybody from achieving ones goal. Once you have set your target, you should work towards it steadfastly,” she explains.
Study material
Though mathematics and science happen to be her favourite subjects, she wants to pursue chartered accountancy and a MBA in finance. Explaining about the competition, she said, “Once you are clear in your mind about fundamental concepts, any stream will become easy to study. And with so much of technological advancement and good faculty available, there is nothing that really stops you from aiming high.” Her study materials include scanner, JAWS and other related software configured with voice.
About the challenges she had faced, “There were times when I missed on my calculations due to scribes reading out the question papers wrongly. I think online exam can help people like us to score well.”
Her ultimate goal is to become an IAS officer and add value to the Indian economy by promoting individuality and bringing a noticeable change in the outlook of the society.
