Mumbai youngster bedridden with brittle bones scores 66% in HSC exams

Shabaz Ansari, 21, has been living with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder which resulted in brittle bones and stunted growth of limbs, since birth. Owing to weak bones, Ansari is bedridden.

However, the disability did not stop the Malad resident from pursuing academics. Ansari cleared higher secondary certificate (HSC) examinations with 66%.

To make matters worse, he was hospitalised during exams after suffering from pneumonia.

Ansari gave his exams from an ambulance, with the help of a writer.

“I took my board exams privately as I can’t attend regular lectures. My preparation mostly included self-study, as we couldn’t afford a tutor. However, my mother managed to hire a teacher for four months prior to the board exams,” he said.

Sonu Somkar, Ansari’s tutor, he would read aloud from the books and teach him using a whiteboard.

When the tutor wasn’t around, his mother would hold the book over his head and flip pages, so that Ansari could read.

“Ansari is a great learner. He could solve accounts better than any other child I taught previously. He was determined to pass the exams. In fact, he wants to continue with his academics and complete graduation. He aims to become an entrepreneur,” said Somkar.

According to Dr Owais Shaikh, who treated Ansari, the condition is incurable. “Ansari has brittle bones, even a slightest movement can fracture them. There is no cure to his condition, though he works very hard to live his life to the fullest,” he added.

Throughout his struggle, Ansari's mother has been his pillar of support. “Being a single mother, it has been difficult for me. Though I’m happy that he has done so well in his exams, I hope he continues to do great in life,” she said.