Malkangiri: In a classic example of ‘lotus and mud’ theory, the 15-year-old daughter of a surrendered woman Maoist has made it to the under-18 national volley ball team bringing glory to the district and the state.
Sirisa Kalami, daughter of Chillamma Kalami, has been selected to represent the country for which she would attend a two-month intensive training programme at Aurangabad of Maharashtra from May 23. She would be part of the national team that would take part in the international volley ball tournament to be held in China in August, said district sports officer Gyanendra Prasad Badoi.
For the last four years, Sirisa has been studying at a Kanyashram of Kalimela and getting training in the district sports hostels during her vacations. In the meantime, she has won more than 10 medals representing the district and the state at various levels. Her outstanding performance at junior national volleyball championship camp which was held from April 19 to 24 at Ernakulum in Kerala caught the attention of the selectors.
While people across the district are elated over Sirisa’s success, they didn’t forget to appreciate the role of her mother Chilamma who is instrumental in shaping her career.
Influenced by the Left Wing Extremism, Chilamma had joined the rebel group in 90s. However, fed up with the brutal activities of the ultras, she surrendered before the police. She served six years in jail at Visakhapatnam and Malkangiri. Chilamma was released in 2000 and after a few days the then collector of Malkangiri appointed her as a cook in Kalimela Kanyashram.
Her life took a positive turn ever since. After joining the Kanyashram she was determined to set an example for others by giving good upbringing to her daughter.
“My daughter has made my dream come true,” the proud mother said who has been receiving greetings and well wishes from all sections of society for her daughter’s success.
“At present, the district is proud of Sirisa but I am sure she would make the nation proud one day,” sports officer Badoi said. PNN
