Be the change you want to see
In the remote village of Papanadu, nestled amidst the beauty of nature, lived a family that struggled against the harsh realities of life. Divya, a beacon of hope, was born into this family as the glimmering star they desperately needed.
Her father, Rajamanikam, toiled day in and day out as a daily laborer, earning a meager income of Rs.200 per day. Yet, this modest income often found its way to the local arrack shop, leaving the family in perpetual hardship. The household, consisting of Rajamanikam, his wife, their daughter Divya, Divya’s sister, Grandpa, and Grandma, resided in a tiny thatched house barely 10×10 in size. The roof, worn by time, allowed rainwater to seep in during heavy downpours, forcing the family to huddle together in a corner for shelter.
Despite the financial struggles, they owned a small piece of agricultural land, which Rajamanikam eventually sold to explore business opportunities. However, his venture to Dubai resulted in a debt that burdened the family even further. Their sole sources of income were a milking cow and five sheep, the meager earnings from which sustained their basic needs. Luxury was a foreign concept; even a three-time meal was often a distant dream, with simple rice kanji becoming their staple.
Amidst these challenges, Divya’s determination remained unshaken. She held steadfast to her studies, and her efforts bore fruit as she scored an impressive 476 marks in her 10th-grade exams. Her academic brilliance continued to shine through as she secured 1088 marks in her +2 exams, becoming the school topper.
The family rejoiced in Divya’s achievements, and despite their financial constraints, her mother sold their precious cow to gather Rs.4000 for Divya’s education. Additionally, they borrowed Rs.20,000 to support her higher studies. Unbeknownst to them, Divya’s aspiration to pursue computer engineering required much more.
Divya’s unwavering commitment led her to the attention of the Anandham Foundation, who recognized her potential and extended their support. She seized the opportunity with both hands, channeling her focus into her studies. Her hard work and dedication culminated in a campus interview with Bharat Matrimony, where she secured a position as a software engineer with a promising CTC of 5 lakhs.
But Divya’s journey was far from over. Her talent continued to shine, and she soon found herself employed by Photon, a testament to her determination and capabilities. With a CTC of 19 lakhs, she was now working at Cognizant, a symbol of her triumphant journey from a tiny thatched house to the corporate world.
As Divya’s success story unfolded, her family’s life transformed. They embraced a life of prestige and comfort, a far cry from their previous struggles. Divya even gifted her parents a silk dhoti and saree, a gesture that spoke volumes about her gratitude and love. Now she has built a new house for their parents.
Divya’s journey was a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the unbreakable spirit of an individual. She defied the odds and turned adversity into a stepping stone towards her dreams, lighting the way for her family and inspiring everyone around her.