Puducherry students figured prominently in the State (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) rank list in the differently-abled category in the Class X SSLC examination.
Iyyappan E., Ajithkumar J., Dinesh J., and Kalaiyarasi S., of Shri Patcheappane School for hearing-impaired, Puducherry, secured State (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th ranks respectively in the hearing-impaired candidates category.
Danalakshmi P. of St. Antony’s Government Aided High School, Puducherry, secured the State (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) 5th rank in the blind candidates category with 465 marks.
Incidentally, the students and the schools got to know about their achievements only after media persons approached the schools. The five students have overcome not just their physical disability, but limitations of their modest financial backgrounds as well.
The St. Antony’s Government Aided High School provides extra help through two teachers who are trained in Special Education for its 18 differently-abled students across classes, which includes Ms. Danalakshmi who is partially blind.
Her parents, Ponnan, a carpenter and Padma, a homemaker are encouraging of Ms. Danalakshmi’s dreams of becoming a Chartered Accountant. “I am learning Carnatic music and want to learn playing the Veena. I also want to take up classes in spoken English,” adds Ms. Danalakshmi.
Her teacher Nishantani read out lessons to her repeatedly and the student’s good memory power stood her in good stead. “Danalakshmi is diligent and completed her work on time. I am happy for her,” said Ms. Nishantani. Mr. Ponnan, Danalakshmi’s father added, “While I did not pressurise Danalakshmi to always study, I have told her to always remember the special efforts put in by her teachers and school.”
P. Abirami, a teacher at the Shri Patcheappane School said, “The school has improved its performance with each year. All our students have passed. Our teaching skill has improved with experience, and we take individual care with all our students.”
Though the students have an aptitude for science, they can only pursue the Commerce stream in Class XI and XII, as Puducherry does not offer the Science stream for differently-abled students, said Ms. Abirami.
“These students can excel in science, and have dreams of pursuing engineering and science careers but are unable to do so. The students are now debating whether to take up a Polytechnic course,” said Ms. Abirami.
She added that there are plans to upgrade the school to higher secondary and if done, it will include the Science stream.
