It's mind over matter here

Everybody who has written an examination knows what it is like to scramble those last few lines when the exam duration is coming to an end. For visually challenged students, who are appearing for their SSLC exams this year, the preparatory examination is not only a time to prepare but also to forge a bond with scribes. The scribes will be required to keep pace with the dictation at those frantic final minutes.

Around 14 visually challenged students from the Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind in J P Nagar, who are appearing for the SSLC examination this year, are being aided by scribes from nearby schools.  The preparatory examinations, which concluded on Wednesday provided a good opportunity for the candidates to build a relationship with their scribes.

Naresh, an SSLC candidate with total visual impairment, who wants to pursue English at the pre-university level says, “I study for about five hours a day but to translate preparation into performance, my scribe is key. I build up a rapport so that my scribe understands my areas of strength and weakness.”

Vandana, an eighth standard student and a scribe at St Marks School in J P Nagar says that it is both about mutual respect and learning. “The candidates respect us and show a lot of gratitude. Therefore it is necessary to live up to their expectations.” But the diminutive class eight student naughtily says that a little bit of help from the scribes does not matter and insists that she will not hesitate to help even during the Board exams.

Bushra, a ninth standard student, who has appeared as a scribe before explains what Vandana means. “It is extremely difficult for the candidates to dictate letter writing and essays. Spoken English in particular is different from written English and therefore cannot be written like how it is dictated,” she said.

Problem solving

But, what about subjects like Maths which require a lot of problem solving and the use of formulae? Both candidates and the scribes say that they face difficulty as the latter belong to lower classes.

But Pavan, an eighth standard student, who is a first time scribe declares, “If it requires us studying their books and syllabus we will do it. It is only going to help us in preparing for our own SSLC examinations.

Friendly banter

Often, the relationship extends beyond pure academics with the candidates even indulging in some friendly banter. Megha, a ninth standard student says that her candidate Subramanya, during the preparatory examinations gave witty answers in response to her queries. “Instead of answers, he used to chat. He once said he was Virender Sehwag,” she laughs.

The visually challenged candidates have great clarity in their vision for academic pursuits from knowing the courses to the exact colleges they want to go to. Prem Kumar, an SSLC candidate already knows the timings and the schedule at Seshadripuram College. “I want to study there because it is most convenient for me,” he says.

Both the candidates and scribes have one message for all SSLC students. “We wish every candidate appearing for the SSLC examinations, the very best of luck,” they say in one voice.