Kasaragod: Jisha Mol’s SSLC results came as no surprise for the teachers of Government High School, Kasaragod. A prodigy in their eyes, she secured ‘A plus’ in nine subjects and an ‘A’ in physics -- a near-perfect score they had come to expect. 

But when she became a star at a training programme organised for 100 teachers from various schools on methods to improve the academic standards of students belonging to special categories, she turned heads. The reason? Jisha Mol is visually challenged and achieved the admirable results by studying entirely by hearing her lessons.

BRC special educator Philomena John described Jisha Mol’s success story at the training programme. It was a matter of pride for CK Madanan, Jisha Mol’s class teacher, who was among the participants.

Philomena John, who taught social science, told the teachers that Jisha Mol had indeed set an exceptional example of grasping lessons by hearing in class and over the phone, and later performing well in the examinations. Philomena also had supported Jisha Mol in her studies.

Visually impaired students are exempted from drawing maps and graphs on the exam. However, Jisha Mol was firm that she would draw them. She drew India's map with the help of the scribe. However, in physics, questions for 16 marks were entirely on figures, where students had to mark various parts of motors and other devices. Jisha Mol also attempted to answer those questions. She has applied for revaluation of her physics answer paper and expects ‘A-plus’ in it too.

Jisha Mol’s favourite subject is chemistry and she is planning to join the computer science course in higher secondary (class 11). After class 12, she dreams of admission to an NIT or IIT.

Active in extracurricular activities too, Jisha Mol was a member of the Kerala team in the special national championships for football, cricket and chess. She also won the first place in 100 m, long jump and shot put in the paralympics. Jisha Mol’s yet another achievement is competing in story writing, classical music and poetry events in the state special schools’ arts festival.

She is the daughter of K Satheesan, a daily wager, and Rajitha, a domestic help, who reside at Kanakappady, Baradukka, in Badiadka of Kasaragod district.