Radha is a 10 year old, happy-go-lucky girl who like any other child is living life at its fullest best. A fifth grader, she is bright in studies, punctual in her tasks and expressive in creative art forms like dancing. Among the three children of her parents, she is a gifted, competitive girl who is always on the forefront, be it sports, academics or creative activities.

 While she is doing well in all subjects at school yet she finds time to follow her passion and display her creativity in drawing and dance. The only difference is that she was profoundly deaf when she was accepted at Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN), a special school for differently-abled children.

 She was never pre-schooled and MBCN was her first school since 2009. Even her speech and language could not develop due to her severe deafness. But today, the young girl is able to follow the normal syllabus prescribed by CBSE for her class. When her school celebrated its annual day in 2013, she was recognised as ‘Dancer of the Year’. She has taken part in many dance and sports competitions not just at MBCN but also has represented her institution at various inter-school competitions while coming up with flying colours. The respite is that she is just like any girl of her age in class five who is capable of normal speech and hearing.

 Progressive Instinct

She is on-time when it comes to finishing her learning lessons. Being her age, she is also bright at academics. Previously, she had a hearing aid to be worn behind the ears but it was only last year in May that she got a cochlear implant. It supplemented her hearing and she was able to respond to people and distinguish between different voices with more clarity. MBCN has been a truly life-changing experience for her as she was swept off her feet with a #WaveOfChange that this charitable organisation had brought in her.

 The Girl has a Story

While recounting Radha’s journey, her father recollects that transformation post her admission to MBCN has been phenomenal. She joined the school for deaf students at the age of 3. At that time, her parents had a belief that she could never read and write in such a condition. They were not able to believe their eyes when she learnt so much. Now, they are glad to have her admitted to Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan to see her progress at this pace. Even her normal sister requires tuitions and takes away most of the attention. Her all-round growth is a result of collective efforts of teachers, therapists and support staff.

 “I am going to run as fast as I can, fly as high as I can, I am going to soar and if you want, you can come with me! But I’m not waiting for you anymore.” This unstoppable attitude has just started to bring a positive change in the Radha’s life. We wish this shining star of MBCN good luck for her future goals.