Sunita (name changed to protect the family’s identity) was barely six months old when her father left the family to join the Maoist movement. Seven years later, he quit the movement and returned to join society’s mainstream in 2010.Now 18, Sunita is a second-year civil engineering diploma student at Gadchiroli Govt Polytechnic College.
Post surrender, the family shifted to the sheltered colony at Gadchiroli police headquarters. Joining the mainstream meant the parents needed to acquire skills to raise the family which also includes her younger brother. So, the police helped the father to become an electrician while the mother started off as a cook for livelihood. The family was secured but their financial hardships continued.
The girl, emerging from the shadows of poverty and turbulent childhood, continued her academic pursuit. With mother’s support, Sunita scored an impressive 74% in Class 12 board examination without tuitions or any help. “It was solely self-study,” she told TOI and added that she wants to pursue her education further — first completing BTech and if all goes well acquire an MTech degree.
Her Class 12 score paved her way to get direct admission to second year civil engineering diploma course. “I’m unsure how long would my family be able support my education, but my dream is to get into an engineering college to complete BTech,” she said her eyes welling up. “My father is struggling to get adequate jobs given the stiff competition in his field. My mother strives hard to fill in the gap,” she said.
Currently, she works as an intern at an upcoming barrage project. “My friend helps me to reach the bus stop from where I take public transport to reach my work site. After returning home from the work, I study till late in the night,” Sunita said.
Sunita wants to ensure mother doesn’t have to work to shoulder the family’s financial burden. “Whether or not I get to do my MTech, I will try my best to ensure my mother quits her cooking jobs,” she said fighting to keep her tears away.
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