Bhubaneswar, July 11: Durga Sankar Dash, who has multiple disabilities, scored 66 per cent in the matriculation examination this year.

He gets strength from her loving family. Using sign language, he said: "At times, I fell extremely down, but my parents are my pillars of strength. My brother treats me like a normal person. My family never makes me feel I'm different. I'm proud of my family."

Despite being restricted to a wheelchair, Durga has overcome the problems of accessibility and has been admitted to BJB Junior College for his Plus Two education.

"There is no infrastructure for disabled people, but all my classes are held on the ground floor - which is good. I stay with him during his classes," his mother said.

A student of Gopinathdev High School, Rasulgarh, Durga studied using reference books. For technical subjects, he took the help from his mother and tuition teacher. "It is difficult for people like us to study the technical subjects.My mother used to learn it from my teacher and then make me understand using sign language. It was a long and strenuous process," he said.

Like Durga, a number of differently-abled students, who braved odds and triumphed in the face of adversity, were felicitated by city-based organisation Swabhiman that works for the empowerment of those with disabilities.

Another student, Pabitra Patra, who is visually impaired, scored 79 per cent. A native of Sundargarh, he said: "People like us need to remain strong. Otherwise, no one will respect us. Receiving awards is a huge confidence-booster."

Twenty-one differently-abled students from across the state who secured more than 60 per cent in the matriculation examination were felicitated at the event.

The awards were aimed to create awareness of Odia achievers with disabilities and motivate students with disabilities to dream big.

"Educational institutions in the state are still not equipped to admit children with disabilities. Problems such as lack of motivated and trained teachers and the absence of basic facilities such as seating arrangements exist. Going ahead despite such impediments is a huge achievement and all of us should work towards bettering their futures," said Sruti Mohapatra, social activist and founder of Swabhiman.