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“Hold on to your dream. It doesn’t happen in a day, but it will surely happen one day”

Zakiya Manzoor (24) from Jammu and Kashmir has always been fond of cricket. She used to enjoy playing with her schoolmates at the Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education, using the specially designed blind cricket ball that makes a sound when in motion. Her enthusiasm for the game continued into college life and she even participated in matches during her time at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). She went to JNU? Yes, but we’re getting ahead of the story now. There were tricky moments in her life when she could have been ‘run out’ but she stayed on to score impressive victories.
 
Zakiya’s early schooling was trouble free. Most parents with disabled children have to search vigorously, and often far and wide, for an appropriate school. Zakiya was lucky. She was born in Bijbehara, the daughter of grocery shop owner Manzoor Ahmad Sofi and homemaker Jameela. When her parents discovered she was visually impaired they took her to a school right in their own hometown – the Zaiba Aapa Institute, founded by Padma Shri awardee Javed Ahmad Taq.
 
From Class 1 to Class 8, Zakiya studied in an environment where she felt understood, supported, and encouraged to learn. But when she moved to a local mainstream higher secondary school for Classes 9 and 10, for the first time she was surrounded by mostly non-disabled students. Watching her classmates make notes, study independently, and move around with ease often left her feeling isolated and discouraged. “I often felt depressed and questioned my abilities,” she recalls. “But with my hard work and determination I pulled through.”
 
A turning point came when Dr Mushtaq, a teacher who had studied at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), noticed her potential. He encouraged her to explore the opportunities available for visually impaired students in larger educational institutions such as AMU. Motivated by his words, Zakiya prepared for and cleared the entrance examination for AMU. She moved to Aligarh, where she completed her Class 11 and 12. For the first time, she experienced a truly inclusive educational environment. Students with and without disabilities studied together, and teachers treated everyone equally.
 
Zakiya’s academic journey continued. She secured admission to the University of Delhi, where she pursued a B.A. in History. Not content with this significant achievement, she sought admission to JNU. “Becoming a student at JNU remains one of the proudest moments of my life,” she recalls. “It was a dream I had once thought impossible, yet through perseverance and determination, I achieved it.” She completed her M.A. in History in 2025.
 
Technology played a crucial role in her educational success. As a visually impaired student, Zakiya learned to use assistive software and screen-reading technology. Initially, understanding and adapting to these tools was extremely difficult. The software language felt unfamiliar and complicated. However, with time and continuous practice, she mastered it so well that today she says, “I cannot imagine my life without it.” These tools became her gateway to knowledge, independence, and academic excellence.
 
When she is not studying or playing cricket, Zakiya enjoys listening to music. She loves both old and new Hindi and English songs and often finds herself connecting deeply with melodies and lyrics. Her favourite song is Arijit Singh’s “Muskurane Ki Wajah Tum Ho” (you are the reason to smile) from the 2014 movie “Citylights”. A simple pleasure that always brightens her day is eating gol gappas!
 
Zakiya’s innings are not over, though. Despite earning degrees from premier institutions such as AMU, Delhi University, and JNU, she is currently searching for employment. While the job search has been challenging and sometimes disappointing, she remains hopeful. “My greatest wish is to secure a good job and fulfil my parents’ dream.” She comes from a loving family with two brothers – one elder, Salman (28), a shop owner, and one younger, Arsalan (20), doing his MCA from Kashmir University. 
 
Through her experiences, Zakiya has learnt an important truth: Each person has unique strengths and talents, and with patience, hard work, and self-belief, those talents can shine. She says: “Nurture your hobbies, keep learning, and never give up on your dreams.”