Braille to Bench: Thanya Nathan is going to make history in Kerala Judiciary

The state of Kerala is at the edge of an historical event with a 24-year old attorney by the name Thanya Nathan about to become the first ever visually challenged judge in the state. Her encouraging story of how she came out of a small town in Kannur to the confines of justice is being used around the whole country as a sign of determination, inclusion and equal opportunity.

The Childhood Marked with Resilience:

Thanya Nathan was born in the Kannur district, Kerala with total visual impairment, and acquired a great interest in learning at a young age. She has been using Braille and audio learning materials to study through her and has performed excellently even when it comes to inaccessibility challenges. In mothering and teaching her, family members and teachers have been critical in making her believe in her dreams and continue with higher education.

Academic Excellence in Law:

Thanya proceeded to do a law course and got her LLB degree at Kannur university, and was apparently ranked top among her course mates. She was an ardent student and she used assistive technologies and text-to-speak programs to read text books, case laws and research materials. The success of her performance at school showed that sight had no handicap on the intellect.

Passing in Kerala Judicial Service Exam:

Thanya started attending the law school as an advocate and soon took an interest in the Kerala Judicial Service Examination after starting attending law school. The exam is rated as one of the most difficult in the state yet Thaya thoroughly trained with the help of Braille notes and taped lectures as well as various computer-based devices. She passed her exam and also ranked rather high among the applicants with benchmark disabilities making her eligible to be appointed a Civil Judge (Junior Division). 

A Victory of Inclusion and Equal Rights:

The fact that Thanya has been successful is part of a wider consideration of inclusivity in the judiciary. A recent Supreme Court decision reiterated that people with disabilities should not be disallowed in the service of judges on grounds of physical handicaps. Her success is an indication of the effect of this liberal thinking and can be seen as a strong example to the future.

Inspiring a Generation:

The path that Thanya Nathan took is not just a milestone in her life, but it is the hope of many young Indians with disabilities. She has also pointed out that there should be available courtrooms, digital material and favourable working policies in order to make sure that everyone participates equally. 

~With Kerala about to have the first ever visually challenged female judge, the story of Thanya can be seen as an inspiring moment of determination, perseverance and the fact that no dream is out of anybody.