Sowjanya, Gowri's younger sister, is joining her diploma in Vemu College, 10 km from Paalaguttapalle.
They are four children at home, Gowri, Sowjanya and their younger siblings Reddy and Chandni. Their parents do agricultural labour for a living. The children also work very hard at home, taking care of the cows and doing other chores, along with their studies.
Then schools were closed for 2 years thro Covid. The lockdown took a huge toll on first generation learners in the village, as they tried to study thro WhatsApp notes from teachers on a shared cracked phone. There was poor net connectivity, and no guidance at all. But despite all challenges, Sowjanya did her best, and got a good rank and got admission into a private college.
Last month however her father needed an emergency surgery, and was advised 6 months rest. In a landless family, dependent on daily wage work, loss of an earning member is catastrophic.
Sowjanya called me up that day to say that she would not join, and would instead take up some small job after 10th. I convinced her not to think on those lines, that she needed to study and we would figure things out. It took effort, but she agreed.
In Sowjanyas first day in college, two days ago, the children were invited to come on stage and say a few words. She was one of the three who walked to the mike confidently. After her short talk, she was given a pen as a gift. This is a source of immense pride and joy to her.
We are all so proud of her.
To make the entry to a diploma seat is many times a far far greater achievement than getting into an IIT. The starting point in the most important point to note. Not the end point.
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