Shiv cycling his way to glory

Kumari Maharana exudes a brilliant radiance when she smiles. The radiance is not from the brightness of the pan on her teeth which she chews continuously during our meeting, but has to do with her own cheerful persona with which she welcomes everyone. Kumari laughs often during our conversation, and it feels like picking up a conversation with an old friend. As we continue to talk, Kumari tells us that she is a housewife and has three sons. Her husband is a carpenter and runs a furniture making business. One of her son is a carpenter and another one helps his father with the carpentry work. Her third son, Shiv Prashad Maharana, is studying in class 9 now. The family income, though sufficient, sometimes falls short to pay for all the educational requirements of Shiv. The family thus availed an education loan for him. The loan money helped in paying for Shiv’s school and tuition fees. Apart from paying for these expenses and the books, the money was also used to buy a bicycle for Shiv. The long distance to school and coaching classes can now be easily covered on a cycle. It also helps in saving a lot of time. Kumari wants the money to be provided on a regular basis for Shiv’s education. She particularly adds, “Even if I die keep providing loans to my son for studying. I want him to have a good career and a stable job.” Kumari is assured that Shiv will be doing well for himself. Listening to her, we feel reassured too. We then ask Kumari to pose for our camera. She shyly agrees trying to hide her toothy smile.