A beacon of hope for specially challenged

Taking Dr Kalam's words forward and with the aim of helping specially challenged students to present themselves in front of the world with confidence, Raghunandan Vadla began teaching in Devnar School for the blind as a volunteer. He developed a unique leadership model which helps students take ownership of improving themselves. Unlike teacher dependent programme, this one is run by students and requires teamwork.

Raghunandan is a B Tech graduate who later became an author with his book 'The Great Indian Treasure'. "I feel the word 'visually challenged' is derogatory. These children are immensely talented. We should refrain from being over sympathetic towards them. It de motivates and distances them from us. Instead, we should converse with them the way we do with other children so that they can feel they are no different," says Raghunandan.

The model has become so successful that there would be no one who can while away their time during the session. It concentrates on making students more conversational and has impacted lives of more than 500 students in the school.

The model can be defined as a democratic model as it is run for the students, of the students and by the students. Now, Raghunandan's idea is to replicate this model in as many schools as possible. He's designing a concept called 'TGIT Leadership Academy' to help students and youth hone their leadership skills.

The students shared their dreams with The Hans India. 

17-year-old Soni, Class IX who wants to become a dancer: Earlier, I used to struggle to converse in English. But after I attended Raghu bhaiya's sessions, I am able to express my thoughts clearly and have started participating in inter-school debate competitions as well.

15-year-old Ranjith, Class IX, dreams to become a lawyer: I was always an introvert and was reluctant to speak to anybody, including my teachers. But now I am a lot more confident... The world outside is not so scary anymore.

15-year-old Yashwanth of Class IX: I would like to become a doctor, I want to serve people and take care of them.