An inspiring, 23-year-old University Sains Malaysia (USM) graduate Rishan Ponraj, a visually challenged student has broken the limit to success and has gracefully flown high in his curriculum and co-curriculum. This vibrant visually impaired young adult is indeed the epitome of perseverance of one who is hungry to strive to be someone in life.

Turning his cataracts and glaucoma, into a pearl of wisdom, Rishan stepped ahead in all aspects of his pursuits and broke all kinds of adversities and dilemmas life threw him. Can’t deny that the pillars of his support are both of his parents who have lifted him ever since the day 1 they got him. Knowing the fact that Rishan will be a visually impaired child on the 3rd day of his emergence into the world, they have taken a deep sense of responsibility to make him someone for his future. His mother, madam Kalaivani has shared about Rishan’s beautiful and inspiring upbringing in a broadcasting channel called RTM.

Rishan loves to be an independent person, who strives to achieve what he wants for his academics and passion. He was a bright student during his schooling years by becoming “Pelajar Cemerlang in public exams like PT3, SPM, and STPM” by passing with flying colors and turning a student role model to all of his peers.

Having a robust love and ambition for English and a desire to become a motivational speaker propels him to take Bachelors in English Studies at USM and to become an accomplished graduate who would potentially become an educator. Not limiting his talent, Rishan is also an international champion in a braille reading competition where he represented Malaysia at a national level in Thailand, in the year 2020. Despite, having difficulties in coping with both his academic and co-curriculum during the COVID breakout, he had the chance to complete his first 2 years online and final year physically at the campus. During his interview in RTM he had expressed his slight disappointment of not getting to explore a complete university life, yet, he’s bravery in exploring things that come out of his comfort zone did not hinder him from doing wonders in his daily life as a student.

Creating the best study tools, Rishan always uses a laptop that comes with a screen reader for all of his subjects, which reads each word that is in the notes. He always prepares himself a step ahead of his lecture and requests all the study material from his lecturer, for an ad advance reading. He put all his heart and soul into the lecture session and was a sharp listener to all of the lessons he learned during the period. Not forgetting his supportive friends and classmates, who have massively contributed to his triumph, they displayed an utmost understanding of his needs and wants by guiding him through this journey by explaining images and assisting him in group assignments, and presentations, Rishan sincerely expressed his gratitude to all of them during the broadcasting session.
“Change is what that doesn’t change. If we want we will, and we can! “ deciphered by the proud mother of this amazing graduate. Rishan is indeed a tool of motivation for all of us who are struggling right now in life. To have an inborn frailty is a decision, but, to live in darkness is a choice. We choose to take it or leave it.