Here, students have this ability to strike gold!

LUCKNOW: It was an emotional moment for the students as they went on stage to collect the reward for their relentless efforts (medals) at the fourth convocation of DSMNRU.

“It’s a surreal feeling. I never imagined I would be awarded a gold medal by the chief minister,” said a Sonu Priyadarshi, 26, a visually-impaired who post graduated in Hindi. He was lead to the stage by a companion.

Sonu bagged Dr Shakuntala Misra Memorial Gold Medal for obtaining the highest marks (78.30%) among all post graduate visually impaired students.

“In this institution, we help each other in different ways. My friends help me by providing audio recordings for books unavailable in Braille whereas I help them in learning Braille. This way, we both have something

to learn from each other,” he added.

Sultan, 24, a physically challenged M Ed student, said: “If we remove the ‘dis’ from disabilities,

we can see the enormous abilities in a disabled person. However, our society is obsessed with the ‘dis’ of our abilities.”

A silver medal adorned the proud posture of this student who faced financial struggles in his life.

As Smriti Pandey, a differently-abled and a slow learner bagged Rohit Mittal Memorial Gold Medal for securing 71.75%

› In this institution, we help each other in different ways. My friends help me by providing audio recordings for books unavailable in Braille whereas I help them in learning Braille.

SONU PRIYADARSHI, a visually-impaired student

marks in BEd. “When hardships and isolation from the society started breaking me down, my family was the only light of hope,” she said.

Akshant Gupta and Idha Singhal, two scholars with special needs had been her constant source of inspiration.

Anju Kumari, a physically challenged student of MA (Hindi) bagged Amit Mittal Memorial Gold Medal for scoring 79.6%. She marched against the odds, considering herself her biggest competition. After an unfortunate accident at the age of five, Anju was left with an impaired right hand.

She had to learn to write with her left hand all over again. She calls her father the biggest inspiration in her life. With support from her family and her merit, this student will pursue Phd to work to empower other humans with special needs.

Sanjeev Chauhan, a visually impaired scholar hailing from Unnao, secured a Kulpati Bronze Medal with 72.4% in MA political science. Happy and proud with his result, he said despite his condition he achieved success which is an answer to all who questioned his abilities.

“Things have become easier with changing society and advancing technology,” he said. Sanjeev used Braille books, youtube and audio books to study. He wishes to get a corporate or government job. “Whatever be the hardships, if one has the willpower, one can achieve anything,” said Sanjeev dedicating his success to his relentless efforts. RISHI KANT AND

AYUSHI MISHRA