In Lucknow’s Hussain Ganj neighborhood, Sarah Moin, who cannot see, hear, or speak, achieved a stunning 98.75% score in her ISC Class 12 exams, including perfect marks in Geography and Mass Media & Communication. Her story is one of unwavering determination, innovative support, and a vision to uplift others.
- Sarah scored 98.75% with perfect 100s in two subjects
- She uses specialized assistive technology to learn independently
- Her father urges exam reforms for better support of deaf-blind students
What happened
Sarah Moin, a 19-year-old student from Lucknow, overcame the challenges of being blind, deaf, and non-verbal to top her ISC Class 12 board exams with an exceptional 98.75% score. She earned perfect marks in Geography and Mass Media & Communication, and very high marks in other key subjects. This achievement was made possible through the support of her school, Christ Church College, where educators focused on enabling her abilities rather than her limitations.
With the help of assistive technologies like a braille display and the Orbit Reader, Sarah studies independently and interacts with digital content using tactile methods. Her journey reflects years of disciplined effort, supported both by her family and a learning environment tailored to her needs. Beyond academic success, Sarah aspires to become an Indian Administrative Service officer to work for the empowerment of children with disabilities.
Why it feels good
Sarah’s story is an inspiring reminder of human resilience and the transformative impact of inclusive education. It shows that when schools adapt thoughtfully and leverage assistive technologies, students with severe sensory disabilities can achieve excellence that defies conventional expectations.
Her success also brings attention to the potential and aspirations of many young people with disabilities who are often overlooked. Naming Sarah as a modern-day Helen Keller reflects a celebration of her courage and determination, encouraging a shift in societal attitudes toward disability from pity to empowerment.
What to enjoy or watch next
While Sarah’s success is cause for celebration, it also highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how educational assessments accommodate deaf-blind students. Her father has called on exam authorities to allow the use of assistive devices rather than relying solely on scribes, which do not fully capture the abilities of students like Sarah.
Looking ahead, it will be important to follow developments in inclusive education policies in India, particularly those targeting assistive technologies and exam accessibility. Sarah’s journey signals a growing awareness and provides a compelling case for redesigning systems to truly support all learners.