Foot-Written Determination Drives HSC Candidate Towards Bigger Dreams

For many people born with physical disabilities, everyday life presents challenges that can seem overwhelming. Yet there are individuals who refuse to let those obstacles define their future. Eighteen-year-old Poly Rani from Kaunia Upazila in Rangpur is one such example. Born without fingers on either hand, she has transformed adversity into determination, learning to write with her right foot from an early age. Today, she is sitting her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, proving once again that resilience and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

Poly, the youngest of three siblings, lives in Godai village of Kaunia Upazila. She is the daughter of the late Manoranjan Roy. Her two elder brothers work in private organisations, while her mother, Rupali Rani, has spent years raising her children under difficult financial circumstances following the death of her husband.

A Humanities student at Kaunia Government College, Poly is taking her HSC examinations at the nearby Kaunia Women’s College examination centre. As a candidate with special educational needs, she has been provided with all necessary facilities in accordance with the education board’s guidelines to ensure she can complete her examinations comfortably.

According to her mother, Poly was born without fingers on either hand, while her hands are also shorter and slightly bent, making it impossible for her to hold a pen. Despite financial hardship and repeated suggestions from others to discontinue her daughter’s education, Rupali Rani remained determined to support her. Poly herself never considered abandoning her studies, insisting from an early age that she wanted to continue her education.

Writing with her right foot did not come naturally. It required years of practice, patience and extraordinary persistence. What began as an almost impossible task gradually became second nature through daily effort. Today, her handwriting is so neat and fluent that many people are surprised to learn it has been written with her foot rather than by hand.

Her educational journey has not been free from emotional challenges either. Many villagers questioned her ability to succeed because of her physical condition, while some classmates mocked her during her early school years. Those experiences often left her in tears. However, her mother’s constant encouragement and the unwavering support of her teachers helped her regain confidence and continue pursuing her ambitions.

Rupali Rani says her daughter has always demonstrated academic promise. Poly achieved an A grade in her Primary Education Completion Examination before earning another A grade in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Kaunia Girls’ School. Her family remains hopeful that she will perform equally well in the HSC examinations.

Speaking after Monday’s examination, Poly said her papers had gone well and that she was optimistic about achieving her desired results. She hopes to continue her education at university before entering public service. Her ultimate ambition is to become an administrative officer, believing such a role would allow her to contribute meaningfully to society and serve people directly.

Poly says she has never considered herself inferior to others because of her disability. Instead, she has focused on what she can achieve rather than what she cannot. She believes determination, hard work and self-confidence are more powerful than physical limitations.

Kaunia Government College Principal Rafiqul Islam described Poly as an exceptionally hardworking and talented student. He said the college had ensured all facilities required under the education board’s directives for candidates with special needs. During each examination, she is granted an additional 30 minutes, allowing her sufficient time to complete her answers comfortably.

He added that Poly has never allowed her physical condition to become an excuse for giving up. Instead, her discipline, confidence and perseverance have made her an inspiration to fellow students, demonstrating that commitment and determination can overcome formidable barriers.

Kaunia Upazila Executive Officer Papia Sultana also praised Poly’s determination, saying that courage, ambition and unwavering resolve can carry people far beyond the limits others might imagine. She confirmed that Poly’s examinations are being conducted according to the education board’s prescribed procedures. Once completed, her answer scripts are separately preserved and forwarded to the board in accordance with established regulations for candidates requiring special arrangements.

Poly Rani’s story extends far beyond that of an HSC candidate overcoming a physical disability. It is a powerful testament to the strength of human determination, the importance of family support and the vital role of dedicated teachers in nurturing potential. Her journey reminds society that physical limitations do not define a person’s capabilities. With resilience, opportunity and encouragement, even the most daunting obstacles can become stepping stones towards remarkable achievements.