Battling dystonic cerebral palsy, a neurological condition marked by involuntary muscle spasms and unwanted movement, 18-year-old Madhukesh Bhat overcame the tough odds to appear for the Common Entrance Test this year.
As Madhukesh was unable to write on his own, his parents had sought the Karnataka Examinations Authority’s permission to utilise a scribe.
“We had our fingers crossed until Tuesday evening when Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) called us to inform that a scribe can be used to write the CET on behalf of Madhukesh,” said his mother Sharada to The New Indian Express.
“We had almost lost hope that he would be able to write the test. His junior in (PU) college appeared as a scribe for him. Madhukesh attempted the Mathematics paper on Day 1 and felt it was easy. Considering him as a special case, KEA provided him 20 extra minutes and also a separate room,” she added.
Speaking to the publication, Madhukesh said that he has his mind set on becoming a computer engineer. At the Pre-University College level (Class 11 and 12), he took up Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Science with the intention of studying Computer Engineering in the future.
However, it was difficult for his parents to find a seat for Madhukesh in a PU college, even though he scored an impressive 91% in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate examinations. Many PU colleges in Bengaluru refused admission. While some colleges did present the possibility of admission, they weren’t ready to offer him the subjects of his choice.
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Finally, the Jain College in Jayanagar admitted Madhukesh with his choice of subjects. Both the principal and teachers sought permission from the PU education department to find a scribe, who would appear with him for the computer lab exams.
“I did not face any problem after joining the college. Although it was little difficult for my classmates and teachers to understand my words, everyone treated me like a normal person and supported me well,” said Madhukesh to the publication.
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While Madhukesh is unable to eat on his own and wear clothes, his parents have supported and helped him overcome it through yoga classes. It is incredible that the young man has found the will to move forward with his life.
We wish him all the best.