Kiran and Jyothi Kumar, both with hearing disabilities, provided unwavering support to their son Vivek, who secured AIR 1785 in JEE Advanced 2025, proving that perseverance and dedication lead to success.
Despite lifelong challenges due to hearing disabilities, Kiran R Kumar, a Chief Office Superintendent in South Western Railway, Bengaluru, and his wife, Jyothi K Kumar, a freelance artist who is deaf by birth, have raised their son with unwavering determination. Their dedication has paid off as Vivek K Kumar secured an impressive 1785 All India Rank in JEE Advanced 2025, earning eligibility for admission into a prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Reflecting on his achievement, Vivek shares, “I feel incredibly happy about my accomplishment. When I began my preparation, I lacked confidence partly because my family was often looked down upon, as both my parents are deaf. Achieving a decent rank despite these circumstances means a great deal to me."
"Growing up, I never felt any difficulty living or communicating with my parents and they raised me with love and care. However, I learned to speak much later than others and initially struggled to communicate with friends. Over time I slowly learned how to connect with people and also began helping my parents interact with society more comfortably. I’m deeply grateful to my parents for the extra effort and support they put into raising me," added Vivek
Raising a son in a silent world
Communication was never easy for Kiran and Jyothi, but when Vivek was born, they made sure their disability never hindered his growth. From as early as six months old, Vivek started learning baby sign language, which became his primary mode of communication at home. As he grew older, he mastered sign language fluently, allowing him to connect deeply with his parents.
His mother, Jyothi, shares a strong emotional bond with him, and his father, Kiran, constantly engages in discussions to keep him motivated, especially throughout his two-year journey of JEE preparation.
A mindset of innovation and discipline
Vivek’s brilliance shone early when, as a 9th grader, he won the Young Scientist Award from the Government of Karnataka for developing a prototype device that converts sign language into text and speech.
Determined to succeed, he disciplined himself to study late into the night, balancing his academics with self-learning through YouTube and online study materials. His mother ensured he was always taken care of, providing comfort, food, and encouragement whenever needed. His father played a crucial role in discussing exam strategies, pushing him toward excellence.
Overcoming financial and social challenges
Although Kiran earns ₹10 lakh annually working as a Chief Office Superintendent, financial stability was never guaranteed. Jyothi, being a freelance artist, earned occasionally, making their journey even more challenging.
Yet, despite the financial and societal hurdles, they never let their limitations hold their son back. They raised him with the conviction that deaf parents can provide just as much love, support, and guidance as other parents.
Aspirations and dreams
Vivek dreams of becoming an engineer and securing a respectable job in a reputed company. His passion for science and discovery has been the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of knowledge. In his free time, he enjoys solving speed cubes and has competed in several speed cubing competitions, showcasing his problem-solving skills and quick thinking.
Vivek believes that challenges and setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but those who embrace them with resilience and optimism can overcome anything and achieve success.
A powerful message to the world
As Vivek embarks on his new journey, his parents are overwhelmed with pride.
"Many people believe that deaf individuals cannot raise academically successful children. But our story proves otherwise. Deaf parents can support and nurture bright, ambitious children just like anyone else. We hope our journey inspires others and challenges misconceptions about the deaf community."
Their story is one of unwavering determination, deep love, and resilience, proving that disabilities do not define capability. Instead, strength, perseverance, and belief in one’s dreams make success possible.
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