Bengaluru: The first day of the Common Entrance Test document verification conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority on Wednesday for the students having different types of disabilities proved that disabled students can achieve what regular students can’t, if they are provided with equal opportunities. All of them were anxiously waiting in hope as securing medical/engineering seats were their life-long ambition.
Mr. Kalakappa Basavaraj Hoogar, a student from Koppal is a dwarf. He was waiting in queue for his medical examination in orthopedics on Wednesday. His disability never stopped him from dreaming of becoming a doctor. Since his childhood days Mr. Hoogar has proved himself as a multi-talented student. In the year 2012-13, he won the young scientist award. He is a state level champion in the mimicry competition conducted by the State primary and secondary education department.
He has been busy giving mimicry shows in various parts of the state since he was in Std III. In the II PUC final examination he scored 76, 72, 80 and 82 in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology respectively. With the 36,000th rank in the ISMH, he is now dreaming of becoming an Ayurveda doctor.
“I always wanted to become a doctor. So I am selecting an Ayurveda seat,” said Mr. Hoogar who was beaming with confidence. “I can mimic Dr. Raj, Shankarnag and other stars. Since my childhood days I have been active in many areas of learning. My father is a farmer and I am happy with my performance,” he said.
Ms. Nethra, a student from Tumkur has a rare skin disease besides having orthopedic issues which have made her dependent on others. But these conditions didn’t stop her from achieving big. A resident of B. Gollarahatti, Ms. Nethravathi always wanted to pursue her higher education in biology. “After my SSLC I took PCMB. I wanted to either study MBBS or BVSc. I have scored 70% in the II PUC final examination and I will select BVCSc in the CET seat allotment process,” she said.
Speaking to this newspaper, an officer from the KEA informed that most of the students who had appeared the medical examination have heart-rending stories. “Two students suffering from dyslexia also attended the medical exams. Several VH students who could not read properly were able to score above 85% by sheer determination and made their colleges and their parents proud. Most of the students are from rural areas and never went for either coaching or crash courses,” he explained.
