When we think of an academician, a certain image is formed in our minds about the way they would look, speak or function. It’s only natural to form this image based on our perception of what that person would require in terms of abilities. It would come as a surprise to many of us to hear of a visually impaired assistant professor!
Dr B.R. Alamelu has broken all barriers as a visually disabled assistant professor, working in the Department of English at Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University. At the tender age of four, her uncle who is also visually impaired took her to a blind school and had her enrolled. This simple step put Dr Alamelu on a path that not only benefitted her life but went on to benefit the lives of many young women. “God planned my life completely and blessed me to become a blessing to many”, says Dr Alamelu smiling away!
At the blind school Dr Alamelu attended, she received an education she never had imagined! From mobility and communication skills to computer science, she was given training and exposure that made her the incredible woman she is today. Apart from the thorough and liberal education, the school encouraged the students to pray and draw close to God. “The discipline and prayers at assembly time truly helped to shape me into the person I am today.” After her graduation Dr Alamelu joined Indraprastha College for Women for her post-graduation, where she got a job as an assistant professor during her second year of M.Phil.
“I noticed a lot of students with disabilities coming to college. They were from various social, economical and cultural backgrounds but they all lacked the kind of in-depth training I had received for my disability”, she said recalling how her purposeful journey was unfolding. Dr Alamelu felt the need to pay forward the kind of help and support she had received since her childhood, and set out on the path to help each fellow student with disabilities. The institution played a big role in helping her make this dream a reality by providing the necessary infrastructure and support they needed.
“I never could even guess that God would enable me to come to Delhi to study and even work. But who else would make it all possible other than the One who calls me His child”, Dr Alamelu says smiling from ear to ear, delighted with the work God is doing through her!
