Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 1: In a heartwarming display of determination, perseverance and inclusive education, 11 students with disabilities from Abhinandan Home for the Deaf and Dumb in Rambagh, Srinagar, have achieved outstanding results in the Class 10 board examinations this year. Their success has become a beacon of hope for many children with disabilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite facing physical challenges, these students exhibited unwavering spirit and exceptional dedication to their studies. Not only did they pass the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Class 10 exams with flying colours, but nine of them secured distinctions, challenging prevailing perceptions about limitations associated with disabilities.
Mudasir Ahmad, Principal of Abhinandan Home, expressed immense pride. “It’s a moment of great joy. These students have demonstrated that disability does not mean inability. Their remarkable achievements are a testament to their hard work, our teachers’ dedication, and the unwavering support of their families.”
He shared the students’ names and marks: Nayilah Jaan (438), Muntaha Nuneer Dar (432), Ateeb Bashir (377), Ahsanu Allah (386), Simran Shafi (395), Ulfat Jan (378), Mohammad Sameer (366), Abdul Wajid Sheikh (374), Sadiya Parveez (265) and Mehak Jan (250).
The students credited their teachers for adopting innovative and inclusive teaching methods that made learning accessible and engaging. “They ensured we understood every concept thoroughly,” they said. “This is just the beginning; we hope to keep breaking barriers and achieve even more.”
While celebrating their success, students and their parents said the specially-abled children in Kashmir face systemic challenges. Currently, only two schools in the valley—Abhinandan Home in Srinagar and Zaiba Apa Institute in Bijbehara—cater specifically to their needs, they said.
Misbah Farooq, sister of Nayilah Jaan, said, “There should be schools for specially-abled children at least at the district level. It’s not feasible for everyone to travel daily to Srinagar.”
She recounted her sister’s daily commute from Baramulla, saying the families residing in remote areas face hardships. “Many students in every district cannot access such facilities, and the government must establish dedicated schools closer to their homes,” she said.
Misbah said students from distant areas often find it impossible to attend these institutions due to travel, accommodation issues, and reliance on caregivers.
“These 11 students are just a glimpse of what thousands of specially-abled children in J&K can achieve if given access to proper education nearby,” she added.
Parents of other students urged the government to establish at least one dedicated school for specially-abled children in every tehsil. They called for the creation of separate colleges after Class 12, as many find it difficult to pursue higher education in regular institutions without specialised support.
The success of these young achievers has sent a powerful message across the valley—that with the right support system, no barrier is insurmountable. Their accomplishments highlight the importance of inclusive education and underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to make education accessible for all.
Teachers and parents hope this inspiring story will motivate many other families with specially-abled children to support their educational pursuits.
“These students have proven that talent exists in every heart—it just needs the right environment to shine,” Principal Mudasir said. (KNO)
