The only ordeal for Bhargavi is reaching school every day, given her limited mobility. Someone has to lift her and place her in the car, drive her to school, make her sit on the wheelchair, push her to the classroom and help her sit on the bench.
But once the school bell rings, there is no stopping her. Bhargavi is among the top performers. She can move only two of her fingers, but her handwriting is enviably beautiful. She moves pages with her tongue and pushes her right hand with her leg to move from line to line.
This physically challenged girl from Gnyana Sudha Vidyalaya has got a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 8.5 in CBSE Class 10 examination with A-Plus in most subjects.
Bhargavi was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (curved joints), which makes it nearly impossible for her to move some muscles. “Her condition was diagnosed soon after birth and we had to get her treated in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru for seven years,” says Shivakumar Kannagi, Bhargavi’s father who runs a small industry. Surgeons inserted rods in both her legs to make them straight.
“She is as enthusiastic as any other child. Her smile makes us forget all pain,” says Pushpa, her mother. The girl, who is enjoying her holidays at her grandmother’s house, says she wants to pursue science in PUC. “I am not sure what to study. But I am sure what to do. I want to be an IAS officer,” she says.
Poornima G., school committee president, says, “When students or parents come up with excuses for not working hard, I show them this girl. Bhargavi is an inspiration to me and to my students.”
Gnyana Sudha Vidyalaya is a The Hindu in School (THiS) institution.
When students or parents come up with excuses for not working hard, I show them this girl. Bhargavi is an inspiration to me and to my students.
Poornima G
School committee president
