Student overcomes challenges of cerebral palsy with perseverance

Thiruvananthapuram: The inaugural function of the three-day camp organized by the UL Space Club at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Kovalam, had an inspiring presence on Monday.
Arya Raj, the first student with cerebral palsy to be admitted to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, was the guest of honour along with other dignitaries at the function.
Raj, who aspires to be an astrobiologist, shared her story of fighting the physical challenge of cerebral palsy.
Registrar of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Y V N Krishna Moorthy, who was the chief guest at the function, asked for Raj’s autograph, as her fellow club mates beamed with pride.
Moorthy said in his speech that he had come to the event mainly to meet Raj in person.
“I heard that Raj gave a presentation on the UL Space Club’s webinar on the possibilities of alien life. That really inspired and delighted me. She has overcome obstacles with perseverance,” he said.
Moorthy added that the UL Space Club has provided a beautiful ecosystem for students, including Raj, to study science.
Raj’s dream is to study astrobiology at the University of Arizona. The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, the sponsor of the UL Space Club, has sponsored her education. Raj, who scored full marks in Plus Two, is one of the best science prodigies in the UL Space Club. A native of Kozhikode, she is currently a BSMS student in UG Course (Integrated PG) at IISER, Thiruvananthapuram.
Raj entered IISER in the person-with-disability category with the fifth rank after cracking the IISER aptitude test. Kozhikode district Judge R L Baiju recalled at the inaugural function the obstacles Raj faced while attempting the aptitude test and how she surmounted them through the legal path.