Article of the Week

Against all odds

Born visually impaired, Tariq Bashir, 29, is studying in Kashmir University without any Braille system available. Tariq, son of Bashir Ahma Khan, resident of Andoora, a far-flung area of Shangus district Anantang was selected in two subjects of Arts stream in 2006 Kashmir University entrance examinations.

Rights from his primary classes up to 10th standard, Tariq managed his studies with the help of his father who is a retired teacher. “Those were the days of disappointment for me and my parents were worried about my ‘dark’ future,” added Tariq.

But passing the 10th standard gave him a moral boost as they, his twin and he, passed with flying colors. In 11th standard Tariq opted for the medical stream but the year passed dismally and he dropped out from the examination that year.

After hearing a radio programme he resolved to go ahead with his studies and he took the examination once again. The programme aired on radio was about helpers for visually impaired student, provided by the Board of School Education (BOSE). As it was becoming very difficult for Tariq to go ahead with his studies, he filled his examination form as a private candidate. Tariq asked his father for verifying the fact whether BOSE provides some helpers for the visually impaired or not? And his father got permission for a helper in the examination for his son. “I was dictating and my helper, who was less qualified than me, was writing for me in the examination hall,” recalled Tariq.

Tariq passed in the examination and in 12th standard he was the highest scoring student (385/600) in the institution. During these years his father was teaching him and he was learning by rote the relevant topics for the examinations.

Without any tuition or books, scoring highest marks in 12th standard encouraged Tariq to pursue his studies. “Till that time my parents were vary happy and they encouraged me,” averred Tariq.

In three years of graduation he sought help from different helpers who would write for him in the exams. And finally he passed his graduation with 964/1800 marks. “My father advised me to join IGNOU but I decided to be a regular student in Kashmir University. It was my dream. Even though I belonged to backward class category I got selected for my post graduation studies in open merit,” narrated Tariq.

Inspired by a radio and a television programme Tariq during his studies had utilized an innovative method of reading.

Right from his B.A 1st year he would always record the lectures and hear them, again and again on the rape recorder till he learnt and understood it. “My father used to read the book and I would record it and then repeat it again and again till I learnt it. Even in the university classroom I took my tape recorder with me and record the lectures of teachers,” pointed out Tariq.

This virtually physically challenged youth has challenged the physically able persons, who for one or other reasons, fail to achieve what Tariq has achieved so far. “I could have opted for medical stream or competitive examinations but there was no facility of Braille system available to me. But now I want to appear in the Civil Service Examinations and I will try my best for it so that I can help those who need my help,” stressed Tariq.

Source: Visually impaired; he fights a battle against handicap, official apathy. Kashmir Times, Daily, Jammu, 16 October 2006.