PSEB class X done, now she has set her sights on next goal

A resident of Bapudham colony, Samta says her key to success was her regular study habit. She studied for two to three hours every day. “I study at home after school as I cannot play, owing to my blindness. I do not go out in the sun, my eyes hurt in the light,” Samta told Newsline.

While in school she writes her own exams with the help of a braille typewriter, she took the board exams with the help of a writer appointed by the board.

Samta wants to achieve her goal to be an IAS officer. “I love history and political science. I want to pursue these subjects and be an IAS officer,” she said.

Samta belongs to economically weaker section. Her father Shyam Lal  is a peon at the Regional Passport Office, mother Seema sells posters at the Sector 17 plaza. Shyam Lal and Samta’s two elder siblings also suffer from 100 per cent visual impairment since birth while Seema is affected by polio.

For Shyam Lal, it is difficult to bear the expenses of three disabled children, but “I will support Samta as long as I can’’. “I had never thought Samta would even pass class X. God will definitely help us in our endeavours in the future. My son will also start working soon and help us educate Samta,” Shyam Lal said.

Seema added, “I have to support the family and teach my kids, so I work hard every day.’’

Samta’s elder sister Suman also studied at the Institute for the Blind and passed her class XI board exams with 78 per cent marks this year. Their brother Vishal is a class XII student at the Model High School, Sector 19.

Shyam Lal visits the Institute for the Blind every Saturday to polish the shoes of the students. He and Vishal also donate blood regularly. Shyam Lal has once been honoured by the Social Welfare Department for his work.

“I have always loved to give all that I can to society. It is my duty to work towards the uplift of mankind. I don’t like to talk about it as I believe I am still miles away from making any great contribution to society,” he said.

By Agrima Verma