Chandigarh: At the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, this year’s CBSE Class XII results brought stories of resilience, determination and quiet perseverance to the fore, with students overcoming personal and social challenges to excel academically.Leading the school was Vanshika, a humanities student who secured 97.4% marks. Hailing from Karnal in Haryana, Vanshika comes from a modest family background. Her father works as a labourer while her mother is a homemaker. She has two sisters and said staying disciplined and consistent throughout the year helped her achieve the result.Rather than focusing on long study hours, Vanshika said she concentrated on maintaining regularity in her preparation and practising sample papers. She also spoke about facing discouraging remarks from people around her during her academic journey, but said she remained focused on proving herself through her work.Calling time management one of her biggest challenges, Vanshika said she gradually learnt to balance studies and routine more effectively. She now hopes to prepare for the UPSC examinations in the future. She credited the institute and its teachers for creating a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to perform to their full potential.Another student whose result stood out was Saima, who scored 93.4% in humanities to finish second in the school. Originally from Ambala, Saima joined the institute in Class 1 in 2015. Both she and her younger sister, Shadma, who studies at the same institute, live with complete vision loss.Coming from a financially modest household, Saima said her family always prioritised education despite difficulties. Her father works as a labourer while her mother was a homemaker. She has two elder brothers, one studying and the other employed. Interested in music, Saima said she has applied to three colleges in Chandigarh for higher education and hopes to pursue music alongside academics in the coming years.Teachers at the institute said the results reflected not only academic hard work, but also the determination with which visually impaired students continue to pursue their dreams despite challenges.Defying all odds: Pulkit Rastogi of Bhavan Vidyalaya scores 87%Pulkit Rastogi of Bhavan Vidyalaya scored 87% in the CBSE Class XII examinations, overcoming multiple health challenges he has lived with since birth. Born with hearing impairment and heart-related problems, Pulkit continued his studies with determination and regular effort throughout the academic session.Teachers at the school said he remained sincere and focused despite medical difficulties and never let his condition affect his commitment towards studies. His result was seen as a reflection of perseverance and the support he received from family and school.
