Bhondaripokhari: An eleven-year-old physically challenged girl, Dharitri, second daughter of a daily labourer, Basant Barik of Maninathpur village under this block in Bhadrak district, will no longer be dejected on seeing her friends leave in school vans to private schools.
She has been enrolled in Saraswati Vidya Mandir and provided with all the facilities that she earnestly longed for. School van facilities being one of the first for which her parents, would no longer have to worry.
Basant Barik’s family is of three daughters and his wife. He works as a daily labourer to keep the pot boiling. While elder daughter is reading at the village high school, second daughter Dharitri, born specially enabled – with no right forearm, had been going to the village school till the other day.
Given that the village school has no specific facility for physically challenged students, no toilets and a discouraging study atmosphere, Dharitri always wanted a change in the atmosphere.
Every time she would see her friends in neat and clean uniform, sharp tie and shining shoes, she was transported to her dream world where she would be with them in the same attire. But the poverty ridden family was incapable of fulfilling her day dream.
In her leisure she would often visit the nearby private schools. Besides white washed buildings and well maintained gardens, she was always taken aback up by the disciplined study atmosphere.
Basant and his wife came to know about their daughter’s desire to go to a private school. He also visited some schools in his district and neighbouring, Jajpur district. However, when he learned about the schools’ fees and other expenditure, he returned disheartened cursing his poverty.
The couple had been in severe distress for not being able to give proper education to Dharitri who is in fact the brightest among her sisters. They had no option but to pray to Gods and Goddesses to do some miracles.
Eventually their prayers were heard and Biswambar Rout, the founder of Saraswati Vidya Mandir at Solampur came forward to help her fulfill her desire.
Mr. Rout has not only gotten her admitted at the school but also assured her parents that they do not need to pay anything towards her school fees. This apart, he has also arranged vehicle facility for her.
Dharitri, who is receiving Rs 500 as pension for her disability, says if the government comes forward and provides facilities to students like me, poverty can never be a wall between them and their goals. She is hopeful that she can achieve success in her life as she is now a student of one of best schools in her locality.
While Biswambar’s generosity has become the talk of the town, her parents have expressed their gratitude towards Biswambar for all his support.
PNN
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