Diabetic, orphan & blind students shine in HSC examinations

Kolhapur: Prathamesh Sachin Gaikwad wanted to leave education after Std X, as he was diabetic and had to rely on insulin injection. However, teachers persuaded him and gave confidence that he can have better future, too.Prathamesh eventually scored 71% marks in the Std XII board exam, which were declared on Saturday.Prathamesh, a student of Yashodhara Junior College in Solapur, lost his mother and father when was a child. Meanwhile, his grandmother and aunty took care of him. "I had decided to quit education after Std X, after scoring 58%. But for 2 years, I could manage my diabetes well. I want to pursue higher education, get a degree and get into public service," said Prathamesh.Pankaj Sutkar, director of the education society said, "He used to faint, his hands used to tremor under stress due to his diabetic condition. We extended all support to him and proper diabetic management, he even became best student for both two years of his junior college. He also excelled in sports. He has become inspiration to many in the neighborhood that despite odds education should continue."Blind students use AI toolFive totally blind student from Andh Yuvak Manch's residential facility at Hanbarwadi in Kolhapur district used artificial tools to listen to content from textbooks and take practice tests to clear the HSC exam. They wrote the papers with the aid of writers.Divya Tanaji Bhosale scored 52%, Salim Mujawar scored 49%, Modin Sheikh scored 48%, Daji Sawant scored 58% and Rehan Bagwan scored 48% marks in the arts faculty of HSC board exam.These students are homeless, as their parents either deceased or not in the financial situation to educate them."We used AI tool such as ‘talk back' which generates audio of any text or lectures. We also ensured they attended routine lectures either at Gokhale College or KMC College so that they learn in natural setting," said special teacher Ajay Vankudre, who is also blind.Bal Kalyan Sankul's girls perform well in examsDistrict Probation & Aftercare Association, popularly known as Bal Kalyan Sankul, had their Std XII students do well in the exam. Revati Pawar scored 61.83%, Samruddhi Parit scored 55.83%, Swarali Mali scored 44.33%, Tanvi Rajput scored 43.61%, Diya Halwai scored 60%, Payal Bagadi 48% and Sneha Shinde scored 54%.