In a remarkable display of perseverance against significant personal challenges, Renu Hans, a 45-year-old Kashmiri Pandit woman, has successfully cleared her Class 10 examinations with an impressive score of 82 percent. This achievement marks the realization of a long-held dream, deferred for over two decades, and underscores the power of determination in overcoming age and adversity.
Renu Hans, who is both deaf and mute, was supported throughout her academic pursuit by her son, Naman Koul, a Class 12 Science student. Koul took on the responsibility of tutoring his mother, clarifying her doubts, and providing unwavering encouragement, all while managing his own studies. His commitment was driven by the belief that his mother should not be limited by her circumstances and deserved the opportunity to advance in life through education. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Koul was instrumental in helping his mother enroll for the examination, a process that itself presented hurdles.
The family, originally from Chawalgam village in south Kashmir‘s Kulgam district, migrated to Jammu in the early 1990s during the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community. They now reside in a government flat in Lower Roop Nagar, on the outskirts of Jammu. Renu’s husband, Bablu Koul, is also deaf and mute and works as a tailor from home. Despite facing considerable hardships, both parents consistently supported their son’s upbringing and education.
Renu’s journey to this academic milestone was not without its difficulties. She had previously attempted the Class 10 examination before her marriage but was unable to pass, leading to a prolonged pause in her formal education. Her son, Naman Koul, reported that his mother appeared for the bi-annual Class 10 examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) in April, with the results being declared on September 10. Koul recounted that his mother experienced initial apprehension upon arriving at the examination center, feeling a mix of fear and anxiety due to the presence of much younger students and other candidates. However, she gradually settled in and became more comfortable as the examination progressed.
The process of enabling Renu to appear for the examination was a significant challenge. Koul explained that he was initially unaware of any scheme that would permit his mother to re-enroll as a student. Upon inquiring at the Board office, he was informed that such a scheme had been discontinued. Nevertheless, through subsequent developments and efforts, the family managed to secure her registration. Koul learned to communicate with his parents through gestures, a skill he developed with crucial assistance from his maternal grandparents and an aunt. He described how, over time, he began to understand their communications through gestures, with continued support from his maternal relatives enabling him to progress.
Balancing his own Class 12 Science studies with his mother’s preparation required a meticulous schedule. Koul arranged his mother’s study sessions for the evenings and dedicated time at night to help her with any difficulties, all while ensuring his own academic responsibilities were met. Renu, who has a notable interest in painting, is now looking towards the future, having achieved a goal that once seemed distant. She expressed her profound gratitude to her husband for his consistent support of her decision to pursue further education.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.