23 June,2011 08:13 AM IST | | Sidhant Maheshwari
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College finally grants admission to physically challenged student
Manish Arora, a physically disabled boy who was denied admission in Shaheed Bhagat Singh College because of his disability, finally got admission in the course of his choice - Geography Hons. Two days after MiD DAY reported how Manish was denied admission by the college administration on the pretext that the course involves mountaineering as part of the curriculum; the college has on Wednesday given him admission in Geography Honours.
The Bhagat Singh College administration. File pics
"It was a great day today. I was made to sit in an air conditioned room and offered a cold drink by the principal. He helped me go through the formalities and my admission was done within 20 minutes," said a happy and cheerful Manish.
Building blocks:u00a0Manish says he was harassed for two days
"I have been going to the college for the last two days. On the first day, they advised me not to take admission in the course as it involves mountaineering, but next day even after I told them that I will be able to continue with course, they refused giving admission," said Manish.
But today, he was all smiles when he told MiD DAY that it was after the story was published he was called by the principal and was assured admission. The concerned teacher was also scolded by the principal.
"I am grateful to the publication as well as the principal. Also, the teacher who refused to give me admission was scolded by the principal,' added Manish.
Meanwhile principal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, B C Sehgal said: "I promised the child admission and I kept my word. I am sensitive toward special children and believe in their potential. We just cannot let the best of opportunities be denied to them. I made him comfortable in my office and was satisfied to see his face bright up as his admission was finalised."
Uphill task
Manish had been doing the rounds of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College for sometime to take admission in Geography honours. All in vain as the college was coming up with insensitive and ridiculous excuses to deny him admission. "On the first day, they advised me not to take admission in the course as it involves mountaineering. The next day I told them I will be able to continue with course, still they refused to give me admission," said Manish. Manish, who scored 60 per cent in the 12th boards, also wants to do a Ph.D in Geography later. "Geography interests me a lot. I really hope that I manage to get admission in Geography course," added Manish.
