Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, May 28: Pavitra, daughter of Lokayya from Kootkunja village near Panja in the taluk is a fine example for a wild flower that has bloomed brightly in a backward hamlet in spite of penury, lack of facilities, infrastructure and support. Despite all the odds, including absence of electricity, she scored 450 marks in second PU this year.

Pavitra had to leave home by 6.30 am as she had to reach Ballakka by walking through a forest terrain. From Ballakka, she had to take a ride by service auto rickshaw or jeep to reach Panja. From Panja, she had to go to Bellare. In the afternoon, she had to return by the same route and reach home by evening. After reaching home, she had to assist her mother in household chores. The only source of light at her home is kerosene lamp under which she studied, but only on days when the family could afford to buy kerosene.

Pavitra belongs to the only Malekudiya family located at Kariyamale located amid Bantamale, highest hillock in the taluk. It is nine km away from Panja. The only asset Lokayya can claim as his own is a small hut, the roof of which leaks.

Pavitra, who got primary education at Subrahmanya and completed high school by staying in hostel at Guthigar, joined Subrahmanya PU college for further education. After she failed in the first year, she joined Jnanadeepa educational institution at Bellare, and inspired by its director, Umesh Manikkara, pursued education with devotion and dedication and came up trumps. Realizing that she does not have the time or financial backing to attend college every day, Manikkara allowed her to attend college three days a week, apart from extending 50 percent concession in fee. Pavitra gratefully recollects that her classmates gave her their notes, and the lecturers took special interest to teach her.

Speaking to daijiworld, Pavitra's father said that he had to give up coolie work due to long distances he had to travel every day, and instead took up agricultural activity in his home.
Pavitra said that it was difficult for her to study late into the night or early morning as it used up a lot of kerosene which they found difficult to afford. "We have no gas connection and we had to pay a lot for kerosene," she said.

Pavitra dreams of becoming a lawyer. But her family cannot back her financially. "Our financial condition is poor and my father has asked me drop plans of further studies," she says, adding that if someone could help, she might be able to study further. Her two brothers have cut short their education and are working for paltry sums to support the family. So, the future has become a question mark for her.

Asked what inspires her to become a lawyer, she said, "Since the time of the British the poor have not got their RTCs without problems. I want to become a lawyer and fight for the rights of the poor and do as much as possible for them."

Those who wish to get in touch with the family can contact Lokayya on 8277257571.