Home for 50 Challenged Girls in Bangalore, India

Shivanagamma lived in Gowdahalli, Karnataka. Her family consisted of 6 members. Her father, Veerabadraswamy, owned a petty shop, which was the only source of income for the entire family. Though her father was illiterate, but was very keen that his children should be educated.

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, which in medical terms, is known as clubbed foot. Though her parents noticed her inability to walk, still they neglected it, thinking she would recover and start walking gradually. But when it did not happen, 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 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 Workshops, 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, Shivangama 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.  In 2020, She completed her graduation in BA, scoring 69% marks. In August, 2021, she underwent LT TA Lengthening – a corrective surgery for rectifying her  left cleft foot, at St.Theresa Hospital Bangalore. Post-surgery, after an intensive physiotherapy and care, she is able to walk without any assistive devices and travels independently. Presently, she is pursuing her 1^st year Masters in History, at Central University, Bangalore.

Shivangama is a fast learner and wants to fulfil her dream of becoming a Lecturer, and here’s Margadarshi wishing her dream to come true.