Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Unfazed by the hurdles of life

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Unfazed by the hurdles of life: " When she turned 14, her mother died. Her guardian advised her to seek the help of Childline (1098). "They put me in Mottukkal, a hostel [for runaway girls], and admitted me to the Government-run Kodambakkam Higher Secondary School. I completed my X class with 408 marks and then XII standard with 980 marks." In 2002, she moved to Paadhai's shelter home for runaway women in Valasaravakkam, founded by Sunita, her mentor and co-ordinator of Mottukal, and Sunita's husband, A. Amal. Deepa was denied admission in Government colleges because she came under the `open competition' category, and her score fell below the required cut-off marks. During counselling for seats in private colleges, she was the second student to be admitted. She is a `counselling seat' candidate (Physiotherapy) at the Thai Mookambigai College of Dr. MGR Deemed University, promising to pay the fees before the semester ends. Unfortunately for Deepa, her mentors could not meet the chairman of the deemed University to explain her situation.

The principal of the college has offered Rs. 5,000 as merit scholarship but that is not enough to meet her expenses.

But that's not all; she cannot take her semester examinations in August if she does not pay the fees. In fact, just to clear the first year, Deepa needs Rs. 30,000 for books, educational materials and the test fees.

There is also the question of her finding resources to continue her course. But the young woman, who has shown that she can cope with adversity, is not giving up. She hopes to pull through somehow. "

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