The Silent Keyboard
Ritika, a 14-year-old from Kolkata, had selective mutism. At school, she rarely spoke, though she understood everything.
Her parents worried. Therapy helped a little, but progress was slow—until one teacher noticed Ritika typing poems on her school tablet during recess.
The teacher created a classroom corner called “The Silent Keyboard.”
It had a tablet, drawing pads, headphones—and no pressure to speak.
Soon, Ritika’s classmates began visiting the corner too—typing questions, sharing jokes, drawing comics. What started as an aid became a sanctuary of quiet connection.
Ritika later started a blog called “Loud in My Own Way.”
It attracted readers worldwide—young and old—who found strength in soft voices.
Sometimes, inclusion doesn’t mean louder.
It means listening… differently.
New thoughts don’t always need to be spoken.
Some just need space to be heard.