Beno Zephine Becomes The First 100% Visually Impaired Officer In Indian Foreign Service

Nothing is impossible if you are strong willed and know how to work hard. NL Beno Zephine is a living example of of this, and a great source of inspiration for all the youngsters.

The 25 year old from Chennai has become the first 100 per cent visually-challenged person to be inducted into the Indian Foreign Service. She was informed by external affairs ministry on Friday that she has earned the entry to the 69-year-old service.

 

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Since the news has been declared, Beno has been very busy giving motivational speeches in various schools and colleges across the city. When asked how is she feeling about her achievement, she said, “I am really thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking this big decision. I am told the IFS was not identified for the blind with certain exceptions made for candidates with low vision. I am grateful that in order to give me the assignment, the central government has modified some parameters.”

 

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The decision to allow 100 percent visually challenged people into the service has been accepted by former diplomats. TP Sreenivasan, who has been a diplomat said, “It’s a very forward-looking, generous view taken by the Centre. She (Beno) will have some difficulties, but having come so far, she will do extremely well. Also field work that is usually important for IAS cadres is not required for IFS officers; they need to study, analyse and give guidance.”

A postgraduate in English from Madras University, Beno was a very active participant on debates and extempore activities and hence she is very excited about her role as a diplomat and the opportunities to speak. She says that her father, Luke Anthony Charles and mother, Mary Padmaja have been a huge source of inspiration.

She was facilitated by Kingmakers IAS Academy at Annanagar on Sunday and the director, Mr. Bhoominathan told her, “You have a huge responsibility to all the people who have supported you”.

Well done Beno! We all are very proud. 🙂

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