Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Jun 3: This boy was born with a body that makes it impossible for him to comfortably sit, get up, or speak. His family finds it hard to make both ends meet. The physical drawbacks and family problems have failed to numb his spirits. He has scored 587 in SSLC examination this time, a feat that only a handful of students having full facilities and sound financial background have achieved. In this backdrop, it would not be wrong to hail the strides made by the boy in the examination as phenomenal and exemplary.
Deekshith, the boy who has shown to the world that determination can defeat any and every drawback, is a student of Koila government high school. His mother, who ekes out living by rolling a few bidis every day is the only financial support he has at home. Deekshith stands out as an inspirational example to prove that penury, life filled with abnormalities and problems, and physical disabilities can be overcome with determination and wholehearted efforts.
Educational coordinator in block education office here, Sujata R Shetty, who taught Deekshith for three years, notes that Deekhi's body is weak, but he has a dogged determination that is rock solid. She remembers Deekshith for eagerly raising questions to teachers whenever he has some doubts, and getting his doubts clarified. She feels that medical science would have come to his rescue if he was born in advanced nations, but rues the fact that this is not so here. She profusely praised the boy for his concentration, hard work, and determination.
On Monday, Deekshith spoke after lighting the 'Akshara Deepa' lamp at the reopening festival organized at Keddalike government school. Speaking with great difficulty, he expressed gratitude for felicitating him, and advised children to study well and bring laurels to their parents, schools, and villages.
Deekshith had a childhood that was unenviable. Since birth, he was accustomed to contend with non-cooperating body and hard life. After he lost his father, Mahabala Shetty, when young, he has been living with his mother.
Deekshith lives in a house located at Daila in Rayi village of the taluk. This house can neither be called rented nor the family's own. He studied in Rayi higher primary school till the seventh standard. He had joined school due to the encouragement and insistence of the then teacher of Rayi higher primary school, K Ramesh Nayak. Although this school is located only a little distance away from his house, Deekshith, who cannot walk, attended school by depending on an auto rickshaw. He joined Koila government high school after his primary education.
Deekshith's hands are in such a shape that he cannot write. He has never written anything with his hands. He can read, and repeat what he has studied through his mouth. He cannot speak properly and fluently either. Still, since young, he has always excelled at studies. During examinations, he usually takes assistance of other students to write down the answers to question he dictates.This time, as per the rules of the department, he gave answers to questions in the paper orally, and a ninth standard student wrote down these answers in the answer sheets. 587 marks are by no means an achievement that is mean, but Deekshith is not satisfied with this performance.
Deekshith says he expected to score still more marks. His aim was to score not less than 600 marks, and he expected to get this much marks. Although Deekshith earnestly desires to pursue science subjects, the doubt that his bodily features might prove as an impediment in laboratory activities has discouraged him from following the science courses. Therefore, his dream now is to become a chartered accountant.
Deekshith has now chosen commerce in PU education, and got admission in Alva's educational institutions at Moodbidri. Dr Mohan Alva has identified the travails Deekshith has gone through and his future potential. His heart has gone out to challenges he has faced in his life. Alva has promised to provide free stay in Alva's hostel for the boy. As Deekshith cannot move ahead without the company and support of his mother, Mohan Alva has assured to provide work for her in the hostel. Deekshith now pins his hopes for a bright future in the support and encouragement he expects to receive from Alva's.
Here's wishing that Deekshith will move ahead in life, reach dizzy heights, and kindle hope and high aspirations in the minds of people like him.