All their silent prayers ask for her success

Kumari Gitoshree is the daughter of Uma Sadhu. A bright student, Kumari studies in class eight in a High School located close to their house. Every morning at 7 A.M., the diligent girl goes to her private coaching classes. She has enrolled herself for tuitions in every subject to ensure her overall progress in academics. After the classes, she goes to the school along with her friends in the neighbourhood. “She is good in her studies, quite well in fact!” were the words of her proud mother. Uma Sadhu was a very compassionate lady who gave us a very warm welcome. Her sons and her daughters, all of whom I had the opportunity to meet that day, are all very pleasing people.

Uma has four children. Her elder daughter, Madhushree is married and blessed with a  baby girl. On account of a big religious celebration that the family had collectively organised with their neighbours, she had come to stay at her parent's house. Rajiv and Sanjay, 26 years and 24 years old  respectively, are Uma’s two sons. Rajiv is very responsible and looks after the major decisions of the family. He works as the head mason and his hard works bring home Rs. 350 - Rs. 500 per day. Sanjay the younger son, is extremely ambitious and self-driven. He works at a pharmaceutical shop during the morning hours and in the evening he does the door-to-door selling of various products. Sanjay is financially independent and does earn as well as saves his own income without anyone else's intervention. Kumari’s father works in Kolkata where he has his own tea stall. Fortunately, the man was present on that day. “What to do? There isn’t any work here, anymore,” he expressed his dismay of staying apart from his loved ones. Uma used to work as a cook at special events in the village. However, over the years, her strength and ability to multitask had reduced. She now stays at home and takes care of her children, as she says.

Kumari sat quietly while the elders discussed several things. Engaging more with her, I learnt that she studies Science, history, Geography, Mathematics, English and Bengali at school. Of all of them, English is her most favourite pick. She is proud that she is able to stand among the first few highest scoring students in her class. Kumari is an ambitious girl who wants to excel in her life. The loan that had been taken has proved instrumental in materialising the family's silent prayers. They aptly utilised it to provide Kumari with every opportunity that could help her achieve what she expected from herself. Unravelling her constraints Uma said, “We have had a very hard life."  She shared with us their story, where a few years ago the family was unable to enjoy even three satisfactory meals. Each one of the family’s member had put in their best efforts to live the life they are presently living. Despite, the hardship that the family had been through, they were convinced to educate their youngest daughter. Kumari has a parallel desire to study till further in her life. It was a very inspiring encounter with Uma and her family, each of them exhilarating a lot of hope and positivity. Having spent satisfactory time interacting with them, I waved them good-bye and made my way back!