Kalyan: Mahi Deshwandikar (16), resident of Kalyan, is a story of grit and human perseverance. Suffering from cystic fibrosis, Mahi survives on continuous oxygen support and remains confined to her home. Despite the challenges, Mahi secured 86 per cent in Maharashtra SSC board class 10th results which were declared on May 13.

A student of CRM Oak High School, Kalyan West, Mahi has been suffering from the genetic disorder since she was eight. The disorder causes body to produce thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. 

The risk of infection forces Mahi to remain indoors and consequently she could not attend school. As a result, she was forced to opt for home schooling. “For the past two years she didn’t go to school,” Mahi’s mother Sharmila (45) said.

When Mahi appeared for the exams, she was forced to carry the oxygen cylinder and special arrangements had to be made for her. “She scored good through self-study, without school and private tuition,” Sharmila added.

Adversity breeds innovation and Mahi proved to be no exception. While self-study helped her keep pace with the studies, to clarify her doubts, Mahi relied on her mother.  “I used to go to school and try to understand from the teachers. At times the teachers used video calls to help her grasp the subjects,” Sharmila said.

“Mahi is a meritorious student. The Oak High school and all its teachers have gone out of the way to help Mahi. We are also happy in the success of Mahi,” Balkrishna Shinde, English teacher at Oak high school said.