Durga’s story is a testament to her determination and the support she received from her teacher and the Anandham Foundation. Despite growing up in a remote village Siraangudi and facing financial hardships, she excelled academically and scored more than 87% in her +2 exams. Her father’s daily wage of Rs.200/- from the work in pest control will not be sufficient even for the daily requirements for their meal and her family’s economic difficulties didn’t deter her from pursuing her education.

When Durga decided to apply to colleges, she faced a challenge even to purchase the applications from the college just for Rs.50/-, which she couldn’t afford. However, her teacher recognized her potential and tried to support her by helping with the application fees. Durga’s hard work and good marks paid off as she was accepted into three prestigious colleges for a B.Com program.

Unfortunately, the nominal annual fee of Rs. 2500 per annum posed another financial obstacle. Durga was unsure how to manage this expense, given her family’s financial situation. Fortunately, her teacher once again stepped in and made inquiries, ultimately paying the fees for her. This allowed Durga to secure admission to a college, although it was less prestigious than the other options.

However, Durga’s luck changed when she received a call from the Anandham, offering her support. With their assistance, she was able to enroll in one of the better colleges, providing her with a quality education and the opportunity to pursue a career.

When Durga was in her semester exam, she suffered a lot due to her health condition. She underwent an operation and the doctor told her not to strain herself. But Durga was determined to write the exam, knowing it was her only chance to change her family’s situation. She took the risk and worked hard for her exam. Today, Durga is a standing example for all of us. She scored a university gold medal in Tamil language. Now she works as an Accounts Executive in a private company in Chennai, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Durga’s story is a testament to the importance of education, perseverance, and the role of organizations like the Anandham Youth Foundation in helping deserving students achieve their dreams despite financial constraints. It also highlights the crucial role teachers can play in shaping their students’ lives and positively impacting their futures.