Palli Rani Defies Disability to Sit HSC Examinations

Born without fingers on either hand, 18-year-old Palli Rani from Kaunia Upazila in Rangpur has never been able to hold a pen in the conventional way. Yet her physical condition has never prevented her from pursuing education. Instead, she taught herself to write with her right foot, a skill she has refined over many years. This determination has now brought her to one of the most important milestones in Bangladesh’s education system as she sits the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations.

Palli, a Humanities student at Kaunia Government College, is taking her examinations at the nearby Kaunia Women’s College examination centre. Her journey to the examination hall represents years of resilience, perseverance and unwavering commitment to education despite significant personal and financial hardships.

She is the youngest of three siblings and the daughter of the late Manoranjan Roy from Godai village in Kaunia Upazila. Her two elder brothers work in private-sector jobs, while her mother, Rupali Rani, has devoted herself to raising the family following her husband’s death during Palli’s childhood.

Recalling those difficult years, Rupali Rani said her daughter was born without fingers, while her hands were too short and curved to hold a pen. Many people advised her to discontinue Palli’s education, believing that studying would be impossible. She refused to accept that advice.

Instead, Palli began practising with her right foot from an early age. What initially seemed impossible gradually became second nature through relentless practice. Today, she writes fluently with her foot, producing handwriting that many people would never imagine had been written without the use of hands.

Her mother also described the emotional challenges Palli faced during her early school years. Many villagers doubted the value of educating her, while classmates occasionally mocked her because of her disability. Those experiences often left the young student in tears after returning home from school. Nevertheless, with encouragement from her mother and consistent support from her teachers, she continued her studies without giving up.

According to Rupali Rani, her daughter’s academic performance has consistently reflected her determination. Palli achieved an A grade in her Primary School Certificate examination and later earned another A grade in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Kaunia Girls’ School. Her mother now hopes she will perform equally well in the HSC examinations.

Speaking after Monday’s examination, Palli expressed confidence that her papers had gone well. She said she hopes to continue her education at university if she achieves good results.

“I have never considered myself behind anyone else,” she said. “My dream is to become a government administrative officer. If I can achieve that goal, I want to serve people and contribute to society. I believe my dream will come true.”

Kaunia Government College Principal Rafiqul Islam described Palli as an exceptionally talented student. He said all necessary facilities had been arranged for her as a candidate with special educational needs. In accordance with examination provisions, she receives an additional 30 minutes to complete each paper.

He added that Palli’s determination serves as an inspiration to many others. Rather than allowing her disability to define her, she has demonstrated how dedication, hard work and perseverance can overcome formidable obstacles and motivate fellow students.

Kaunia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Papia Sultana also praised the student’s remarkable determination. She said Palli exemplifies how ambition and strong willpower can help individuals overcome adversity. She confirmed that the examinations are being conducted in line with the education board’s guidelines, while her answer scripts are being preserved separately before being forwarded to the board in accordance with established procedures.

As thousands of students across Bangladesh sit their HSC examinations this year, Palli Rani’s story stands out as a powerful reminder that determination and perseverance can triumph over physical limitations. Her journey from a child who could not hold a pen to a young woman confidently writing examination papers with her foot reflects extraordinary resilience and offers inspiration to countless students facing challenges of their own.