Both students of Sneha Tutorial College, Udupi
Pics: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (EC)
Udupi, May 29: “This has been an exceptional feat for us. Two of our students successfully completed their pre-university exams under great hurdles,” said Umesh Naik, principal, Sneha Tutorial College.
The two students are Brian D’Souza (17) and Rohini Shetty (60).
Brian D’Souza has been suffering from a rare disease termed Steroid Dependant Nephrotic Syndrome since his high school days. He suffers headaches, vomiting and dizziness most of the time. Despite this, he has passed his tenth grade, completed a computer course at MICE institute and has now passed his second PU exam. He is also a green belt holder in karate and he loves dancing. He dreams of taking up medical science or being a dental technician. He is currently undergoing Ciclosporine Therapy at Manipal.
Flavy D’Souza, Brian’s mother said she has always supported her son and has stood by him at every step. Poverty has never obstructed her son in any way. She thanked the college staff and the parishioners of Kemmanu for their constant support. She vows to stand firm in support of her son’s dream in the coming days.
Rohini Shetty a homemaker, at the age of 60 was determined to pursue her education which she had left off decades back. As she got married soon after completing her tenth grade, she opted for a quiet life and devoted herself to her family. With her husband, daughter and son-in-law being doctors by profession, there was no need for her to take on this step. One fine day she decided to rekindle her long lost wish of getting herself educated. She received a positive and emotional response from her family and friends.
On enrolling at Sneha Tutorial College the lecturers advised her to take up arts as her subject. She attended classes from 4 pm to 6 pm and amidst her busy schedule made time from 9.00 pm to 11.30 pm for study.
She received lots of appreciation from all sides when she passed her twelfth grade successfully. She expressed her gratitude to the college staff for all their support. She is now determined to do Bachelor of Arts and she wishes to see herself as a graduate.
Speaking to Daijiworld she says, “Education is the most priceless asset a human being can possess in his lifetime. While pursuing my twelfth grade I understood the importance of being a graduate. I believe that every must make it a point to complete it. Without education, one is nothing in society.”
Her response when asked about the rising number of suicides among students is, “Failure is not the end and suicide is not the solution for anything. Striving hard and bouncing back to one's lost status is achievement.”
Umesh Naik, the principal of Sneha Tutorial College says, "People who have failed or who need an additional certificate are some of those who study at our college. Both the students here are different. We are here to help students. Every student has his own capabilities and should never be criticized or underestimated. We are totally dedicated to every student here.”