A Triumph of Resilience
“Success is not pre-destined, it is hard-earned”
Riya Choudhary
A Teacher Supported at a Workshop of Shikshaantar Program
Riya has Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a rare connective tissue disease that causes new bone growth within her soft tissues. This makes her mobility difficult and restricted. But, the 23-year-old special educator at a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) school has always shone through her difficulties. While she was in school, she won an award from the Delhi Government for her outstanding performance in Political Science during the 12th Board exam. And now, she is winning hearts as a teacher in her school!
She realised her calling to be a special educator early on. After completing her D. Ed, she cleared the DSSSB exam for the position of Special Educator (Primary). She also faced a deep personal loss as she lost her father to COVID-19. Determined not to lose heart, she started working. Facing accessibility issues firsthand, she was determined to work towards a brighter future for her students.
Riya’s participation in Tech Mahindra Foundation’s Special Education Induction Workshop as part of our Shikshaantar program helped her bring about this change. The workshop provided her with the necessary tools to cater to the special needs of children, and through the hands-on experiences shared by the TMF facilitators and collaborative activities with fellow special educators, Riya gained new insights and expertise. She now feels more confident to provide her students with a more meaningful and effective learning experience.
Her story of resilience and passion for a happier and safer classroom is an inspiration to all.