How this CA student did not let her hearing disability demotivate her

• Hi, I am Ravina Mewani, a CA Final student hailing from Mumbai. 
• During my articleship phase, I developed deafness and eventually accepted myself for who I am.
• I made peace with having a hearing disability despite being made fun of by the so-called ‘Perfect People’ around me.
• Even after failing the first attempt at the CA Final exam I did not get discouraged and believed that I too would achieve that designation someday.  

Clearing CPT & IPCC

Being an average student all throughout my academic life Commerce and Chartered Accountancy (CA) seemed like the best option, hence I went for it.

I cleared the CPT (1st level CA exam) on the 2nd attempt. Then came the IPCC (2nd level CA exam which consists of Group 1 and Group 2). I failed my IPCC 1st attempt.

Initially, when I failed IPCC I cried and was super upset. The same old stuff.

On the 2nd attempt, I gave my best, cleared IPCC Group – 1, and started with my articleship from a small firm in Dombivali ( On clearing IPCC Group 1 / both groups articleship can be started).

Developing deafness during my articleship phase

My articleship phase was a time of self-discovery, it was this time that I got to know the real me. I got to know that I suffered from a hearing disability that is – Deafness.

I guess I developed deafness later in life as in school I never had hearing issues. It was during my articleship I realized that whenever I am in a group, everyone’s voice isn’t as audible to me as when I talk on a one-on-one basis.

As there is nothing to feel sorry about, I accepted my ‘Deafness’ with grace.

However, the so-called ‘Perfect People’ around me used to make fun of me, laugh at me, and call me names. It used to hurt me terribly. I used to cry.

At social gatherings, it started getting weird as I couldn’t hear properly so I would take a while to react. I felt disconnected.

Though I accepted myself it initially used to upset me.

CA Final phase: Accepting myself for who I am

It was then that I started watching a lot of videos that kept me inspired.

Gradually I connected with people who ‘Understand Real Life’. That’s when I accepted myself completely and transformed into a human filled with joy, love, and courage. Today I am in love with myself.

Nowadays I tell myself – Oh great I am deaf which makes me less exposed to nonsensical conversations.

I remember this incident where my friend and I both failed IPCC – Group 2, my friend was sobbing and I was consoling her. I had forgotten that I had also failed.

Actually, after accepting life I am always joyous. I made multiple attempts to clear IPCC, but I cleared and came out sane.

Even on my previous attempt at CA Final, I failed but I learned from my mistakes and studied again. I kept telling myself – “What’s the big deal? It’s just CA. Many have passed it and eventually I would too” and I stopped making it a big deal.

CA is a great journey, but I have not put my joy, happiness, and peace of mind down just for this qualification.

I know CAs who have cleared in one go and are still miserable. Hence I say – before settling in your career, set your mind first. Controlling your mind is important.

Wrapping up…

While going about my CA journey I eventually found out the real meaning of life. And have learned to accept myself for who I am.

I am also like you, putting in the effort to have a good life. Remember that you don’t need a degree to be recognized by other people, you need to have self-acceptance and self-belief.

Don’t compete. Don’t make any issue a big deal!

Get stronger with every experience. And remember CA is just a part of your journey, not your entire journey.

Lastly, “Be a good listener, listen to yourself first “she concluded.

I am accepting myself as being Deaf and I have conquered this fear. I am successful in my own way!!!