Times of India
24 May 2011
By Ishani Chatterji
Mumbai, India

Proving that Learning Disability is no barrier to learning, dyslexics Nivedita Nath and Kunal Dhir took their place among the success stories when the Central Board of Secondary Education Class XII results were announced on Monday. Nivedita, of R N Podar School, Santa Cruz, and Dhir, of Rajhans Vidyalya, Andheri, scored 93% and 75%, respectively.

When it was discovered that her younger brother was dyslexic, Nivedita was asked to take the tests too. The results showed she was dyslexic as well. Her weak areas were English, as she had trouble with spelling, and mathematics, in which she confused signs. "I use to score the lowest in my class tests. There were times I barely passed in my exams," said Nivedita.

She chalked her 93% up to hard work. "I use to revise all the time. I never took any coaching classes or tuitions. I studied by myself at home," she added. Her mother Reema said, "I was not in India while she was studying for her exams and she had loads of responsibility on her as she had to take care of her younger brother and the house. Her effort has paid off and I am very happy."

With her highest score coming in business studies (98%), Nivedita intends on pursuing economics. "My only help came from my teachers and all these marks are for them," she said thanking her school. "It’s not bad to have dyslexia. We understand things in a way others will not. We are gifted in a different way," said Nivedita.

Kunal was in Class IV when it was discovered that he was dyslexic. The judo and cricket enthusiast said his motto is, "If one works hard, one can achieve anything." Kunal gave complete credit to all his teachers. "My teachers were my support, they taught me to believe in myself. They would teach me till the late hours and were very helpful,"Kunal added.

His mother Lata said, "As a mother, I feel ecstatic. His teachers are the real reason he managed to score well. They gave him immense support."

Kunal set a time table in December and religiously followed it. "I want to do something creative and will give the entrance exam for the JJ School of Art. I am also interested in advertising, so I’m considering BMM as well," he said, adding that success had boosted his self-confidence.