Born deaf in Tatopani Rural Municipality ward number 7 of Jumla, Navraj Rawat belongs to a family of seven with poor economic conditions.
He first came to Karnali Secondary School with his father from their home, a day walking distance from the school. Navraj then studied in the school from nursery to grade ten.
A former Jumla Special Children Project (JSCP) student, Navraj was home for the vacation after his grade 11 exams. The JSCP Coordinator, Hari BudhThapa, arranged a virtual meeting with him to get to know Navraj and his achievements in sports.
Hardworking and honest, Navraj performed academically well in Karnali Secondary School. Besides studies, he participated in various district and regional level sports competitions.
Navraj, who got selected for the Regional football competition, won the hearts of everyone with his performance. He proves his brilliance in sports by beating physically unchallenged opponents.
Enthused about sports since a young age, Navraj was one of the talented sportsmen during his time in Karnali school. He would participate in football and Javeline Throw competitions.
Winner of the Javeline Throw competitions at the district and regional level, Navraj also used to participate in many sports competitions that Karnali Secondary School would carry out by coordinating with nearby schools.
Cooperative and helpful, Navraj is known to everyone in the school because of his friendly nature. Seeing their son excel in sports and studies made the parents of Navraj happier. The proud parents support their son with all their might for his bright future.
Navraj secured a 3.60 GPA in his Secondary Education Examination (SEE). He then enrolled in Shree Bahira Bal Higher Secondary School, a college for deaf students, to study Education.
Looking back at the time spent playing with his friends from Karnali school, Navraj wants to revisit that phase of his life and relive it again.
“I mostly reminisce my time in the hostel spent studying, eating and playing with my friends,” Navraj summarizes his memories of being at Karnali Secondary School from grade one to ten.
“The sport-friendly atmosphere in the school piqued my interest, and it eventually turned into showcasing my talent in school and interschool sports competitions,” Navraj remembers the beginning of his journey with sports and games.
As a person with a disability, Navraj has defeated his physically abled opponents in different games. His disability never stopped him from pursuing his passion for sports.
“My teachers in Karnali Secondary School taught and encouraged me to be into sports,” Navraj adds, “I am happy with the sports-related knowledge and experiences I learned over the years at school.”
Navraj is a fine example of a possibility when teachers are supportive. He is undoubtedly super talented, but talent can only last longer if there are caring hands to guide and shape them. He found Karnali Secondary School as his space to hone his sports skills and be better at them.
Hence, school-going children should participate in extracurricular activities for their overall development. When children spend their whole time on studies only, it takes no time to become dull. They need to engage in stimulating activities like games and sports. Thus, teachers should create an environment for their students to partake in sports and other extracurricular activities.
SDA believes in the holistic approach to Education. So, the organization provides the schools it supports with sports equipment besides stationery and extra school supplies.
Navraj remembers SDA as the organization that provided him with school supplies, stationery, sports materials, and mid-day meals, for which he is thankful. In addition, he believes that the support SDA offered pushed him to continue playing sports and achieve remarkable personal records.
Speaking of remarkable achievements, in a Javelin Throw competition in Bhairawaha, Navraj secured the first position and came third in surkhet and again first in Jumla. Likewise, his team came second in the football competition.
Navraj has won several medals, trophies and certificates over the years by competing in not just one but different types of sports. His dedication and talent deserve applause. More than that, he is worthy of recognition and support to climb the ladder of success.
Interested in sportsmanship, Navraj wants to go to Kathmandu for undergrad studies. Currently, he is focusing on his studies since it is his number one priority.
“I want to be educated first and help students who are deaf like me,” Nawaraj hand signs with a smile. He aims to be a teacher and return to his birthplace and start teaching where it all began for him: Karnali Secondary School.
It is understandable and wise that he prioritizes his studies because the future for sports enthusiasts and players in Nepal, unfortunately, is bleak. Besides, once academically inclined, Navraj will have the qualifications to become a teacher and fulfil his dreams. Moreover, he will have ways to secure his future with a good education.
While in Jumla, Navraj stood out from his group of abled friends. But now, he gets to play with his peers, who are also people with disabilities.
“Nothing was challenging about playing with able-bodied friends,” Navraj adds with a laugh. Although, communicating, in particular, was quite difficult for him. It was hard to express what he was feeling or going through at that time on the sports field because his friends had no grasp of sign language.
“It would have been easier for someone like me if the games were just among the deaf students,” Navraj vulnerably admits. He wished to play or compete with people who have an understandable grip of sign language.
The words of Navraj as a person with a disability reflect the condition of our country. The system has failed in committing to the bare minimum for people with disabilities. Even for someone like Navraj, who is self-motivated and has a natural aptitude for sports, it is discouraging.
People with disabilities already lack privileges compared to individuals without disabilities. There is an endless struggle in day-to-day life for people with disabilities. Thus, it is only reasonable to ask that disabled-friendly should be the norm.
Born and raised in Jumla, Navraj lived there, until completing his SEE. Never been out of his village before, like any teenager, Navraj also finds the taste of freedom in a new place sweet. Perhaps, that’s why he likes his college life in Bhairahawa compared to his school life.
While continuing his studies in a different place, Navraj is still head over hills about sports. He keeps himself informed about the next tournaments he can participate in or with his team from college.
While undecided, the next football competition should be in August/September. Similarly, there is a likelihood of a Javelin Throw competition around the Tihar festival, which falls in late October this year. And, Navraj plans to participate in both of those games and has been practising for a while now. His burning passion for sports is inspiring.
Although, Navraj no longer directly represents Karnali Secondary School but carries the school and Jumla in his big kind heart wherever he goes. All those years spent in Karnali school will forever be with me,” Navraj conveys honestly.
Soon Navraj will be back to Bhairahawa once his vacation days are over. He plans to return to his village after completing grade twelve examinations.
When asked if he misses the JSCP Coordinator Hari BudhThapa, Navraj replied with a yes, to which the JSCP Coordinator let out a burst of laughter.
Navraj expressed his gratitude through sign language towards SDA.
“I am happy to get an opportunity to study in Karnali secondary school with other students like me. I learned to be self-confident through involvement in sports and other extra activities.”
SDA team is so proud of Navraj, his prowess, and his accomplishments in sports. The organization always wishes the absolute best in everything he aspires to achieve.
He has the utmost regards and well wishes for SDA. And, us him. We thank Navraj for agreeing to do the interview and the JSCP Coordinator for his support and translation.