She did not let her goal out of sight

O. Aishwarya is a regular teenager–studious, a voracious reader, good singer and someone who loves to make new friends. What sets her apart is that despite being visually-challenged, Aishwarya secured A1 grade in all subjects in her Class XII board examinations.

The 19-year-old Kakkanad resident, who studied Commerce at Rajagiri Christu Jayanthi Public School is elated with the result.

While Aishwarya said that she did not expect such a great result, her parents and teachers said they were always sure she would do a great job. “It was a pleasure and privilege to teach a committed student like her,” said school principal Saji Varghese.

She attributes her success to her parents and support of her school and teachers. “My mother used to teach me everything when I was younger. Even for mathematics, she would read and explain everything until I understood. And my father used to read to me every day after he came back from office,” says Aishwarya, as her parents Sujatha and O.R. Ravi and her brother Vineet look on.

From Class XI onwards, Aishwarya’s school allowed her to bring her computer to class and from then on, her textbooks and notes were more accessible.

Her family’s support ensured that Aishwarya wrote the examination on her own on a computer, without the aid of a scribe. “Until recently, the facility to write the examination on the computer was available only in Chennai. We went to the offices of the CBSE in Chennai and Delhi to get permission to write the examination on the computer,” says her father.