Home for 50 Challenged Girls in Bangalore, India

Dear Well Wisher,

Greeting from Margadarshi!! Hope you are fine!!!

We are happy to share with you the success story of Shivanagamma.

Shivanagamma lived in Gowdahalli, her family consisted of 6 members. Her father, Veerabadraswamy, the Head of the family, was a labourer by occupation and also owned a petty shop, which was the only source of income for the family, her mother, Nagamani, her brother and relatives. The family strived hard to meet their day-to-day expenses. Though Veerabadraswamy had no education, but was very keen to educate his children. His elder son pursues 1^st year at ITI while his daughter Shivanagamma, pursues 2^nd year BA. 

Veerabadraswamy and his family were shattered when they realised that their daughter wasn’t walking as she was already 2 years old. Shivanagamma had her left foot turn down and inward, which hindered her from standing, walking, balancing and doing other essential functions (this in medical terms is known as clubbed feet which is a birth defect, where one or both feet are malformed, affecting their normality. This defect can be treated with treatments such as exercise, physiotherapy, uses of braces or casts and even surgery in some cases). Though Shivanagamma’s parents noticed her inability to walk, but neglected it, thinking she would recover and start walking gradually. But after some years they decided to get medical support and took her to a hospital in Mysore where the doctor informed them that she had been affected due to polio and a surgery could possibly rectify her condition, but her parents refused this advice and bought her back home.

Shivanagamma was sent to a Government School, at the age of 6, , where she studied till 7^th grade. She then went on to study her higher schooling at JSS High School in Gowdhahalli till 10^th Standard. She completed her PUC at SVK Government College in Kollegal where she exceled with 1^st class.  At this juncture, her mother became sick and was diagnosed with cancer. The family suffered physically, financially and emotionally. Since her father couldn’t afford to send her for further studies due to finance and other related things, Shivanagamma was asked to discontinue her studies.  It was a big blow to Shivanagamma who is very studious and aspired to become a Lecturer.

At this juncture, she was identified in one of our programs, for students aspiring to study further.  She along with her parents were counselled and Shivanagamma was advised to come and stay in our Centre at Bangalore (which helps women from rural areas to undergo education and livelihood training, free of cost), to continue her studies. In 2017, Shivanagamma came to our Centre as a resident and joined BA (Bachelor of Arts) at RBANMS College, Bangalore. She cleared her 1^st year with distinction and now pursuing her 2^nd year.  She is a fast learner and wants to fulfil her dream of becoming a Lecturer, and here’s Margadarshi wishing her dream to come true and endeavours to do everything for the same.

Shivanagamma says that “I am so happy and feel at Home at Margadarshi and this is the best place for a student to be in”

We thank you for brining that smile on Shivanagamma’s face and other residents at our Centre, with your ardent and continued support!!! May God Bless You

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