For 18-year-old Imtiyaz Khan, success was never about shortcuts, it was about strength, focus, and purpose. Despite being visually impaired, Imtiyaz secured an impressive 79.83% in the HSSC examination (Arts) from Dr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, setting a powerful example of resilience and determination. Born into a modest family of four, his father working in construction, his mother a homemaker, and a younger brother, Imtiyaz never allowed his disability to define his limits. He attended college daily without fail, returned home to continue his studies, and maintained a disciplined routine.

 

“I used to reach college early and study in the canteen before classes,” he recalls. Subjects like Economics, History, and Political Science were his favourites, and he gave them special attention. However, English and Marathi proved more challenging during exams, especially due to the explanations required by the writer, a fellow student who had also supported him during his SSC exams. Visually impaired students are allotted 20 extra minutes per hour, but Imtiyaz says, “You must listen to the writer, read the question, think fast, and respond quickly, there’s no time to lose.” When stress crept in, Imtiyaz found comfort in conversations with his visually impaired friend, Joshil Vithole, where they discussed studies and supported each other.

 

His biggest inspiration came from a fellow visually impaired student from his earlier school who had once topped the HSC exams. That achievement planted a dream in Imtiyaz, to prove that disability does not mean inability. Aspiring to become a lawyer, Imtiyaz now hopes to motivate other visually impaired children to pursue education with dedication. “Education is the only way people like me will be heard,” he says with conviction. His journey is not just about academic success, it’s about courage, and a vision that reaches far beyond sight.