Can’t even flip a page, yet he becomes a CA! Meet Kerala youth who turned limitations into opportunities

Thrissur (Kerala): Sreekumar of Panambilli House, Puthenchira, cannot hold a book or turn its pages. Yet, he has achieved what many only dream of — passing the Chartered Accountancy examination. The 27-year-old conquered his locomotor disability through sheer determination and the unwavering support of his family.

Books running over 400 pages were scanned on a mobile phone by his mother Mini and uploaded to Google Drive for him to study. He couldn’t sit continuously for long hours — seven or eight at a stretch was impossible. Instead, a special stand was fixed to his wheelchair to hold his laptop, and a custom-made table was built to match his height. Even while reading in bed, a comfortable stand and supportive cushions were arranged to ease his posture.

His resolve to become a Chartered Accountant never wavered. His father Rajan and mother Mini supported him while managing work in a local textile shop. During his time at Christ College, his teachers guided him closely and encouraged his career path.

Using the tools and knowledge he gained during his college days, Shreekumar took his CA exams with quiet determination. During his final exams, his cousin Ananthakrishnan, a BTech student, stood by him. Enrolled under the old CA scheme, he cleared the exams in 2023 after years of dedication. He completed his three-year articleship under local Chartered Accountant T D Jones.

Sreekumar’s schooling was in nearby institutions — he studied up to his primary levels locally and completed his Plus Two at Mankidiyil VHSS. He earned his BCom in Finance from Christ College, Irinjalakuda. His friends from college and his hometown were his constant source of strength and encouragement. Until his Plus Two level, he wrote all his exams himself without assistance.

Today, he continues to rely on his father for daily activities and his mother for academic and personal support. Speaking about his next steps, Sreekumar said, “I want to start my own training and skill development in this field. I want to build my abilities further after CA.”