Walter Nandalike
Daijiworld.com
Udupi, Mar 28 : Varalaxmi Shetty (16), a young, brave, beautiful and multi-talented girl succumbed to blood cancer on Tuesday March 27 at her residence in Kollabettu near Shirva.
A first-year PU student at St Mary's Pre-university College, Varalaxmi was diagnosed with cancer four years ago when she was in 8th standard. But the illness never deterred her from living a normal life, fighting the disease and at the same time inspiring others.
She took her life as a challenge at a very young age, and inspired all those who live with cancer. Despite knowing that she suffered from a disease where cure is not so common, she faced her life with grit and determination.
What surprised everyone was her ability to create awareness of cancer among others through her talent.
"Though doctors did not give her much hope of survival, she had almost recovered fully and was living her life like a normal girl. It is only because of an indomitable will power, spirit, dedication and positive mindset," says her neighbour who has been watching her grow right from birth.
"Such a lovely and brave girl she was, despite her illness she was never scared of life. In fact we have seen her consoling her mother when she was in pain over her daughter's disease," says a close family member.
In SSLC exams last year, she secured 82 percent. Though the disease has troubled her in her every step, she participated in CanKid Institutions' essay competition on life of a cancer patient and secured first place in all-India level. This achievement of hers has been hailed by many at the national level too.
Apart from being a brilliant in academics, she excelled in Bharatanatyam, classical singing and played the harmonium. She actively participated in extra-curricular activities and secured many prizes for her talent.
After fighting cancer for about four years, she passed away peacefully in her residence, leaving behind her father Ravindra Shetty, a well-known personality, political leader and entrepenuer in the Kaup - Shirva vicinity, her mother and only brother.
Over 3000 people including her schoolmates, friends, well-wishers, family members and people from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects to the beloved braveheart who etched a special impression in this world, by forgetting her pain and inspiring hundreds of people.