As society continues to felicitate and celebrate the achievements of deserving meritorious students in the recently declared results of the HSLC and HSSLC, hitherto unspoken of, Labina, a visually-impaired student from Government High School, Lengrijan is quietly celebrating her own victory–clearing the HSLC with more than 60% aggregate.
Given the numerous challenges that the sighted world would often take for granted, the academic journey of 28 years old Labina is profound and extraordinary as she defied limitations, shattered stereotypes and emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
At the tender age of one, a disease damaged Labina’s eyesight, and her journey began from a world in darkness to overcoming her academic challenges.
“It has been quite a difficult journey to reach this stage and I owe my success to God,” the first few words Labina expressed when The Morung Express interacted with Labina at an NGO-run home, the place she now calls her own.
She did her early education at a school for blind children located in Notun Bosti till her 7th grade when the school closed down indefinitely. In 2019, she joined a government school in 8th grade, however, she was denied to appear for her final exams by teachers, citing reasons for her late enrolment in school, and given her condition; they felt she wouldn’t make it through. Her friends also did not believe that she could cover the entire syllabus to clear the exam, she recalls.
While disheartened, Labina did not give up. “If not this year, I will try again the next year,” she had thought aloud. After deliberation with the school faculty, the next year with the help of an NGO, she joined the school again, only to witness the COVID-19 pandemic begin.
Coming from an underprivileged family, her hope of getting an education seemed more unlikely even as the pandemic persisted and the lockdown stretched for the entire year. She did not own a Smartphone for her virtual classes and there was no one to help dictate her lessons in the family. She also took ill during that time.
On the verge of giving up, Labina prayed for God to intervene. “If it is your will to let me get an education, please help me find a way.” No sooner, just as miracles take place-unassumingly; an NGO took her under their care. At this time, she also received a Smartphone from the Department of Education as an aid to students in need. She cleared her 8th grade with good marks.
In 2021, when she enrolled at Government High School, Lengrijan in 9th grade, Labina constantly worried about her capability as she struggled to keep up with the rest of her non-disabled classmates. Simple tasks like reading books, and writing notes seemed more insurmountable.
