Hyderabad, June 16: What others take for granted, she had to fight for it – literally. Divya in all probability would have ended in the flesh trade had not she mustered enough courage to stand up and fight for her dignity.
Her desire to study met with a stiff no by her mother who wanted her to continue the family trade. Her grandmother even torched her books when Divya refused to budge. But determined to turn a new leaf, the girl stood her ground. Vidya Jyothi, an educational project of Operation Blessing India, gave confidence and strengthened her resolve.
Today this damsel in distress has become a beacon of hope to many such unfortunate girls in Yadgirigutta. Pursuing her second year B.Sc. course, Divya takes time off to teach children at the Vidya Jyothi centre in Yadgirigutta.
The hardship and ordeal she faced to lead a dignified life brought tears to many at the ‘Back to school’ programme organised by Operation Blessing India for slum children here on Tuesday. Cornelis M. Keur, Consul General, US Consulate, and his wife Sommay Keur, were touched by Divya’s story.
Equally poignant was the tale of Roja, a resident of Rasoolpura slum. In her case too Vidya Jyothi came to rescue as her father couldn’t afford to educate Roja.
The 400-odd children who gathered to receive school bags at the hands of Mr. Keur had similar tales of woe. Fighting all kinds of evils – drugs, alcohol and prostitution – they were doing their best to make a new beginning. Making a difference to their lives was Vidya Jyothi through good education and values.
In a brief address, Mr. Keur asked the students to study well and contribute to their family and country. Andhra Pradesh was providing engineers and doctors to all countries, including the US. “You too should be able to make same level of contribution”, he told the children.
–Agencies–