College proves a nightmare for polio impaired

Neha / TNN / Jul 2, 2006, 00:30 IST

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Left impaired by polio 21-year-old Rajni had one dream that of studying in Shyam Lal College. But her wish may remain unfulfilled.

College proves a nightmare for polio impaired

NEW DELHI: Left impaired by polio and waiting for two operations, 21-year-old Rajni had only one dream that kept her going that of studying in Shyam Lal College.
"It is near my house. I have no big hopes, I just want to study here so that my father does not have to carry me in a bus to distant colleges,"said Rajni.
But her wish may remain unfulfilled.Rajni has been denied admission at Shyam Lal College, as the four seats under the disabled quota, in the course of her choice, have already been filled up.
Hard luck, you may say, as nearly half of the quota seats available for disabled persons at Delhi University go empty every year.

Battling all odds like two operations in 2006 and a hand-to-mouth existence her father carries goods to support the family of eight Rajni had managed to score 54% in her Boards.
"My father used to carry me in his arms to the bus. It is very embarrassing when people stare at you. But I wanted to study. I know my marks don’t speak enough, but I just want one chance, and will give my best this time,"she pleaded.
Rajni was struck by the disease, which has left her with 80% impairment, when she was four. She recalls how she used to dream of studying in the college on her to a hospital in Janakpuri.

"I don’t have high hopes of getting into a big college. Woh meri bachpan ki choice hai. That time I did not even know if I will be able to study till Class XII."
Her choice had been guided by her impairment. "It just takes me a bus ride and Rs 2 to reach that college. What is the point of having quota when I won’t be able to travel to a college where they have seats,"she said.
The journey till Class XII had not been easy either. "I was denied admission in Class V, then again in Class X, but a teacher of mine, Rambir Singh, showed me the way,"said Rajni.
Little aware that she had to visit the university directly to apply under the quota, she went to the college instead.
"They directed me to the university. But reaching the university was another struggle for me. They (university officials) have asked me to come again on July 7. I hope they admit me."
She may not have too much hope left on that count, but she’s not lacking in confidence. "I have fought disability and poverty so far, I want to make my parents proud of me. I want to do something different,"she said.

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