an online magazine from eyeway.org

issue 5 july-august 2005
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sections in this issue: by george | focus | feature | interview | perspectives | profile | headlines

Voices of People: Education

Eyeway asked some people what being a blind citizen of India means to them, with a focus on one specific aspect of life.

Mohammad Asif Iqbal

Consultant with Technology Advisory Services, Pune

That it means a huge challenge doesn't need to be said. But for a blind person, access to proper education means lack of access to study materials, it means coming up against "sorry, we would love to but we don't know how". Our system just does not recognise the value of empowering visually impaired people.

I faced all that when I went out trying to earn myself a B.Com. and then an M.B.A. degree. I still recall the day when I went to meet the Vice Principal of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, for my B.Com.: "We sympathise with you, but why don't you do this course from a private source?" he said.

I replied saying that I was not looking for a concession or special treatment. I was merely looking for a fair chance to prove my ability. I did get admitted after that.

Similarly, when I approached the I.I.M.s, I was told that they did not have any provision for 'handicapped' people. I couldn't get in, but after struggling for a long time, I was 'accepted' by the Symbiosis Centre for Management and H.R.D. in Pune, and managed to complete my M.B.A. And that's what helped me get a job with PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

And, well, though it didn't benefit me, I am proud that my efforts - primarily through correspondence - to convince the I.I.M. authorities to admit visually handicapped people has led them to initiate a reservation quota for others like me.

When I started out trying to get a good education and a good job - both of which I deserved - I was sure that I would eventually achieve my dream because of my drive. Today, I see myself as an example for the entire blind community to emulate.

Related stories:
Voices of People: Leisure and Entertainment
Voices of People: Society
Voices of People: Culture
Voices of People: Media and Communications
Voices of People: Business
Voices of People: Employment
Voices of People: Sports
Voices of People: Transport
Voices of People: Being a woman
Voices of People: Relationships
Voices of People: Public Services
How has the government fared?
It's India, but is it home?

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