CBSE Class-10: Gurugram's Rudraaksh defeated autism to score 83%!
What's the story
For KB Rudraaksh of Gurugram, autism made life very difficult. Apart from having to deal with physical challenges, he had to face bullying and discrimination.
But that didn't stop the swimmer and karate expert from securing an impressive 83% in the CBSE Class-10 exams this time, with no additional academic help at all.
He credits the achievement to his teachers and parents.
Information
Rudraaksh was diagnosed with autism when he was six
Rudraaksh was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was six, which meant he had difficulties with social interaction and normal communication. He was bullied and rejected by his peers and looked down upon by elders. His then school ultimately pronounced him 'not-fit-for-regular-school'.
Treatment
Rudraaksh had to undergo years of special training
His distressed mother, a teacher, and father, regional director at an MNC, immediately sought help.
Initially, a special educator at Sparsh (Malviya Nagar center) helped Rudraaksh with his needs. Each intervention would set them back by up to Rs. 12,000.
But things changed when he moved to Shriram Police Public School and eventually to GD Goenka, where in-house special educators helped him cope.
Achievements
Academics not the only thing Rudraaksh immersed himself in
Along the way, Rudraaksh started learning to swim, and represented his school in several championships. He also has three belts in karate and medals in athletics.
He's fascinated by superhero movies and is a "walking, talking encyclopedia on Marvel and DC superheroes," his mother says.
He spends weekends teaching economically weaker kids.
Amid all this, with some help from his parents, he secured 83%.
Hopes
Rudraaksh wants to pursue computer engineering and help his peers
Rudraaksh, who used to study five-six hours daily, has now joined Science, and plans to pursue Computer Engineering in the future.
At the same time, he wants to aid others like him by helping raise awareness and funds.
"Society labels people who are different because they don't understand them," he says.
His mother hopes his story will encourage others who might have been diagnosed.
Others
Others like Rudraaksh have set shining examples too
Like Rudraaksh, wheelchair-bound Anushka Panda of Gurugram, suffering from muscular spinal atrophy, performed brilliantly; she topped the CBSE differently-abled category with 97.8%.
In Assam, Jebin Kousar achieved things their healthy peers couldn't: she aced her state Class 10 exams by writing solely with her legs.
These young dreamers and achievers have shown what determination and hard work actually mean.