How these Karkala siblings fought poverty, disability to clear PU Board exams

Manjunath K | coastaldigest.com
May 4, 2018

Fighting the odds of disability and poverty, Prajwal and Pratheeksha, the siblings from Borgalgudde in Nitte village of Karkala in Udupi district on April 30 cleared the Pre-University exam. While the 22-year-old Prajwal and 19-year-old Pratheeksha secured 51% and 49% respectively in the arts stream, they claimed disappointment that they could not secure 70 per cent similar to their matriculation results.

"They have passed their test that is a big achievement for all of us. First class, second class does not matter, my children cleared the test, they can pursuit their dreams now," Shekar Salian, their father said with a sense of relief.

For over two-days now, Prajwal and Pratheeksha who are generally reserved and shy are quite overwhelmed by the repeated calls and congratulatory messages from relatives and friends. The siblings who since childhood are unable to walk due to a genetic disorder generally stay at home and have limited interaction with outsiders. So you see, it takes more time for them to interact with people, their 47-year old father adds. The duo simply shy away while being talked for interview by this reporter.

For these home-tutored pupils, it was not just the 'test' that came with challenges, but the whole concept of adapting to the examination environment. So the siblings claimed that they were intimidated by the presence of so many other children, besides invigilation squad, and stringent environment.

Prajwal and Pratheeksha had to discontinue their regular schooling from 8th standard, as their parents could not arrange for their transport. "We could not afford those things. Few years ago I had to quit my job due to health and my wife Jyothi Salian rolls beedis. Since our financial condition is a bit tough, we are trying to make ends meet," the 47-year old Salian said. For the last several years, these students are being taught at home by teachers Ganesh, Akshatha and Rajani for seven-hours a day.

While Ganesh taught Economics, English and Political Science, Akshata and Rajani taught Kannada, History and other subjects. The teachers give prominence to writing than the oral.

This year at the PU board, things took a critical turn for Prajwal and Pratheeksha, after the examination department disallowed Prajwal and Pratheeksha to be accompanied by the ‘Assistance writers’ of their choice. "We don't blame the system. But during the matriculation their regular tutors were allowed to write for them. But this time the PU board was stringent with condition. Our plea that the kids have communication issue with new people, especially Prajwal - who stammers, did not gain any us favor," Salian said. Moreover, the PU board had laid an additional rider that the 'assistants' must be at-least a year junior in their academics and they cannot be from Arts background.

The family had a tough time looking for the right candidates, as most of the students had just finished their own exam and were fatigued. The parents wandered to several colleges and their relatives but their requests were turned-down or faced a dead-end.

Highlighting the plight of the family Suvarna News 24/7, a Kannada TV channel, even relayed a public appeal, even local government represented the family but the Board did not change the rules. Finally, two students a boy and a Muslim girl from the neighbourhood agreed. "To avoid confusion, we initially told the family that besides giving them best wishes we won’t be able to financially compensate them," Jyothi says.

For over a week, the children about an hour spend an hour each with Prajwal and Pratheeksha to understand their language and expression. Ultimately, things sailed smoothly for the candidates in the test

While the children will continue to pursuit degree education in Arts stream, the family is looking for physiotherapy and other treatment to enable them to live their life independently. "Both our children are highly intelligent and we are certain that they can do something in life. But we do not want them to be confined to a wheel-chair for the rest of their life, for which we are making our best effort.

In a heart-warming gesture the local community in Borgalgudde have raised a sum of Rs 11 lakh through Samaritans and friends from social media for the future of these children. "Most of them tell me that I should enroll them in computer courses, so that they can be self-sustainable. Let’s see, what my kids want," Jyothi says.

Comments

Abdul Rahman
 - 
Thursday, 10 May 2018

Well Done Really Great Thousands of Congratulations Keep it up

Abdul Rahman
 - 
Thursday, 10 May 2018

Weldone Really great!!!!  Thousands of Congratulation.

Mohammed zahoor
 - 
Sunday, 6 May 2018

congrats.. well done...all the best

ABDUL JALEEL
 - 
Saturday, 5 May 2018

God bless you and guide you

 

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News Network
March 19,2020

Bengaluru, Mar 19: Medical Education Minister Dr Sudhakar on Wednesday said that the government is increasing the number of labs for COVID-19.

"For the last two months, screening has been done at airports. Quarantine is also being done. The situation was reviewed by the state cabinet. All passengers from abroad will be home quarantined or they can stay at government facilities or budget hotels or resorts or private hospitals," Sudhakar said in the Assembly.

"We have issued many advisories. Until 31st March, pubs, and hotels, religious events, should not have an assembly of more than 100 persons. Two bulletins will be issued twice a day. All those who arrive from abroad will be stamped that they have arrived from abroad. Covid-19 is growing at a phenomenal pace. We need not panic but we need to be cautious," he said.

Sudhakar continued: "There are 54 labs in the country. Karnataka has five labs, the most among all states. We are increasing the number of labs. In our country, we have tested less than 10 per cent. In Karnataka, we should conduct test on more people."

The minister said the government will devise a way to be able to track down all those home quarantined through their mobile phones.

"Karnataka stands fourth after Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. We are in the second stage. The next 2-3 weeks are detrimental. This is a pandemic situation. People have to also take responsibility. Social distancing is the real solution and key to eradicating this COVID-19. In the larger interest of the health of the state, we have to take drastic measures," he said.

"We are now in the 2nd stage. The next 3 weeks are very important. If we take care, the state can escape what's happening worldwide," he said.

Congress MLA UT Khader demanded action against those people who do not follow rules.

"Only shutting airports will not help. What about domestic passengers? Coronavirus must come under Ayushman Bharat. Keep isolated patients away from normal people in the ICU in government hospitals. Take action against those who do not follow the rules," he said.

Congress MLA Dr Yathindras said that screening is not enough and travelers need to be lab tested.

A total of 151 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.

Thirteen positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka till today.

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News Network
April 14,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 14: 11 more COVID-19 cases have been reported in Karnataka since 5 pm Monday, informed the state government on Tuesday.

The total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state now stand at 258, including 9 deaths and 65 discharged.

To check the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, the 21-day lockdown announced last month has been extended by the Centre till May 3.

Meanwhile, India's total number of coronavirus positive cases has climbed to 10,363 including 8,988 active cases, 1,035 cured/discharged/migrated and 339 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said today.

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News Network
January 2,2020

Tumakuru, Jan 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday slammed the Congress and its allies opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act, saying they are against giving relief to those who have been brutalised and victimised in Pakistan.

"Pakistan was founded on religious grounds due to which atrocities on minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Christians have increased. But Congress and its allies don't speak against Pakistan," he said at a function here.

He also said the Congress and its allies take out rallies and stage demonstrations against the efforts to prevent atrocities on religious lines and save women from sexual assaults.

Modi wondered why those opposed to the CAA were not speaking out against Pakistan's atrocities and asked what stopped them from doing so.

Strongly defending the CAA, he said it was adopted by Parliament in a historic move, but that the Congress and its allies and the ecosystem created by his party's rival were now against the very institution.

He said India cannot leave the Hindus, Christians and Sikhs apparently fleeing Pakistan to "their fate" and added it was the country's responsibility to protect them.

Modi pointed out that the efforts are especially to protect the Dalits and tribals in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the abrogation of Article 370 was a step towards ending terrorism and uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir.

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