SHIMOGA: “I want to take up a course that would provide me a job in the next two years as I have to be self-reliant to support my sister and brother to continue their studies,” said Ranjini of Yalavatti village of Shimoga taluk, who got 80 per cent in her SSLC examination. Ranjini lost her father when she was in the V standard, and lost her mother when she was in the IX standard. For the past one year, she has taken up the responsibility of nurturing her younger sister Ramya (IX standard) and younger brother Manoj (VI standard) along with her studies. “She was emotionally disturbed when her mother passed away and took more time to come out of the shock. Accepting the responsibilities, she excelled in her studies” felt headmaster Somashekharaiah. Ranjini has a Herculean task on her young shoulders as she has to take care of her younger sister and brother. “Her performance was excellent in the VIII and IX standards, but she could not cope with her studies in her SSLC examinations. She used to work in areca farms after her school hours to earn her livelihood,” said Somashekharaiah. Ranjini is living in the house constructed by her father, along with her brother and sister. Ranjini’s uncle and aunt, who live next to their house, will monitor the family. “During night, our grandmother stays with us. But the rest of the time, I have to take a call for everything,” says Ranjini. Her teachers support her for books, uniforms and other requirements, including paying examination fees. Her brother and sister too get the same kind of help. When she was in the X standard, Ranjini had to prepare food, wash clothes and to keep the home tidy, besides earning their livelihood. Sometimes, her younger sister too joined her in the work. Teachers suggested her to study from 4.30am to 8am and between 6pm and 10.30pm. Ranjini says: “But I could not do that. So, I tried my best to finish my work early and study.” Keeping her fingers crossed, Ranjini now wonders how to proceed further till she gets a job.
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