Ballari, KARNATAKA  :

Mustafa did the unbelievable; he used his toes to write the II PU exams

Getting 80 per cent in II PU may not be a remarkable feat today, but it is extraordinary indeed when it has been achieved by a student without both hands. Writing with his toes, Mustafa emerged the topper in Veerashaiva College near Ballari city.

Son of Dasgir Sab, a lorry driver, and Maqbul Banu of Kolagal village, Mustafa (18) was born disabled. He is the second of three siblings and the only one who is disabled in his family.

Rejects assistance

Practice made this studious boy perfect. For the PU exam, Mustafa rejected all assistance extended to the disabled. “Neither did I take any assistance to write the exam, nor did I take exemption for writing language papers,” he said.

His score card reads: 93 in Kannada, 70 in English, 82 in history, 60 in economics, 86 in political science and 83 in social studies. “I have applied for re-evaluation of the economics paper,” he said.

K. Gadilingappa, his teacher, has been his friend, philosopher and guide. “I was transferred to Kolagal around six years ago, and I was astonished and proud to see that Mustafa was independent and faced challenges on his own. Seeing his self-confidence and positive attitude, I helped him get a scholarship for the disabled and gave him moral support to motivate him,” Mr. Gadilingappa said.

Mustafa, who had secured 74 per cent in his SSLC exams, said: “I want to become an IAS officer and serve the country.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / A. Ahiraj / Ballari – May 27th, 2016