Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Apr 23: Keerthana Bhandary, a resident of Siddapura in the taluk, has shown exemplary courage in overcoming RetinoBlastoma cancer and blindness to score 539 marks (89.83%) in PU examinations.

Keerthana, a student of Varasiddhi Vinayaka PU college in Keradi, is the eldest daughter of Mahabala Bhandary and Jayashree. She lost one eye to cancer when she was just 10 months old. The cancer later spread to her other eye, and a coconut-sized lump had to be removed. Keerthana underwent treatment at various hospitals, including Manipal, and was admitted eight times before the age of six. However, she defied all odds and fully recovered from cancer.

Keerthana attended a special school for the visually impaired run by the RSS in Mangaluru, where she completed her SSLC exams with over 70%. She then decided to take up PU exams and used a smartphone with a specially developed app for blind people to study.

"I was expecting around 75%. But I got 89%. I am very happy. I remember the help of my parents, family members, lecturers and friends. I want to study BA and get government employment and serve society," said Keerthana.

Her father, Mahabala Bhandary, who has been running a hair cutting salon in Siddapura for 30 years, said, "Keerthana always says, 'We are three girls for you parents. We have to learn on our own and achieve something.' We are indebted to the lecturers, doctors and several organizations who have looked after Keerthana as their own daughter."