Deaf teacher’s book is a tribute to her mom

Educator at St Martin De Porres School, Kubashnee Perumal launched her debut book, ‘Tell Your Mother’s Story’ at the Glenashley Library, Durban North on October 29.

The story is about the hardships that her parents faced, in particular her late mum Sylvia Perumal’s struggles she faced growing up in poverty.

“My mother slowly climbed towards some form of normality in life only to have to take a new journey of struggle with two deaf children, my sister and I, together with a hearing brother and sister, and then later to be struck down by a debilitating motor neuron disease.

“My mum’s perseverance inspired me, through it all she still smiled and showed her strength of character, learning sign language and coping with daily living and its own trials,” Kubashnee said.
She said she started writing the story in April and her reason for writing was as a result of the impact her mother had on her life, as a deaf person.

“It is difficult to compete with hearing people in a hearing world, where opportunities are limited for deaf people. The impact that she had, has allowed me to become an educator with a degree and a diploma to my name in a permanent job, to be an entrepreneur, able to open an ice cream and baking shop that has been successful.

“The catalyst to this dream and idea of a way for me to acknowledge the impact my mum had on my life as well as on my deaf sister’s life was a conversation that I had with Dr Kogie Archary of the Oral History Association of SA (OHASA).

“She encouraged me to write about my experience and how my mum grew me up to adulthood. To my surprise she then took my story, helped me to arrange it in such a manner that it was then published as a book,” she added.
OHASA presents an opportunity annually to publish a compilation of stories in an effort to redress imbalances of the past by telling and retelling women’s stories.

Dr Archary said: “The purpose of this publication is to give women a voice and to be counted as an equal at the table, whether it be the boardroom or dining room. The stories featured in the publication aim to include the 11 official languages, traditions, cultures, religious groups, LGBTQ+ representation and much more.”

Perumal said some of the challenges she faced while writing her book was the sourcing of information, as most of her family had passed on.

“After much running around I was able to gather information about my family and their ancestors, and the upbringing of my mum which allowed her to be the person she was through her struggles in life.

“The emotional challenge as I went along was watching my dad go through some emotions as he browsed through the pictures I used in the book. It brought back memories and it was also traumatic for me to do this exercise.
“I had to go through this daily, and seeing my dad grow older and more frail, losing a sister while writing the book was also a challenge as it delayed the process for a while,” she added.
She said it was exciting to complete the book and launching it, especially because it was my mom’s birthday on October 31.

” She was my hero and she made my life successful because of her drive and passion for her children. She was driven and always made sure as a deaf person, ‘I am, therefore I can’.

“Today I have a good job, a house of my own, car and I live a good fulfilled life. I know that many may not understand. My motto is ‘You have to be deaf to understand.’ It has allowed me to grow and achieve it all in a hearing world.”

Perumal’s book can be sourced through Dr Archary via Coffee Table Publications at www.ohasa.org.za

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