The Hindu : Front Page : Facing life with their chin up

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007
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Facing life with their chin up

S. Sandeep Kumar

A majority of the girls of Marredpally Government Junior College do part-time jobs to meet their education expenses

— Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

Smart students: Girls of Government Junior College at West Marredpally in Secunderabad.

HYDERABAD: K. Madhuri, a second year Intermediate student of Marredpally Government Junior College is just like any other studious student, regularly attending classes and diligent. But, unlike many other girl students from privileged backgrounds, she cannot put her feet up after college or chat up with friends.

She works as a domestic help to pay her fees and also supplant her family income. “I am not at all embarrassed with what I do. My parents told me I can study as long as I pay for it myself and also help the family,” she says, with a smile. Madhuri is not alone. There is E. Santhosi Matha, another student who also works as maid to pay for her books and fees. Her batchmate R. Tulasi works as a labourer every weekend to meet her education expenses. “I don’t feel any shame in working at other people’s homes to support my education. In fact, I have taken it as a challenge,” says Santoshi Matha, who wants to be a lawyer.

Tulasi has plans to become a nurse. These are among several young women in the college working so as not to give up their desire to educate themselves.

Several such inspiring tales abound at the college near Padmashali Kalyana Mandapam at West Marredpally as a majority of the 975-odd students work as domestic helps, give tuitions or take up other part time jobs to pursue their dreams.

Despite hardships like struggling to have three square meals a day and having to travel long distances from Shamirpet, Kompalli, Jeedimetla, Dundigul etc., to attend classes, their academic records are not bad.

“Our college with 52 per cent pass percentage has topped the city colleges last year,” says Sanskrit lecturer Ramesh Sabde with pride.

Sportswomen

No empty boast considering that among them is P. Bhavani, who was part of National women’s kabbadi team last year and M. Manju currently representing State kho-kho team.

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