Special scholarship to a nursing studentA special scholarship was given to Ms Usha Gaddam daughter of Late Mr Devaraju and Mrs Siromani of Uppalapadu village of Guntur District, a student of second year Nursing in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, whose father died of AIDS. She has three sisters, all younger to her. Her mother, a landless laborer, is supporting them with the help of her grand mother. She is no way related to me other than another Dalit like me. One of my relatives brought her case to my notice and urged for help. On May 7th 2006, my cousin and my relative handed over a cheque of Rs. 7,100.00 towards the payment of one year fee, hostel charges and books for this academic year.
I spoke to her and her mother over phone on that day. She was very much exited to talk to me and promised me that she would put all her efforts in studies. Her mother was over joyous for the help and thanked over and over again with crying voice. Ms Usha has one more year to complete to become a staff nurse and I promised her help next year too.
I realized what a difference a small help may make in most of our people’s lives. Rs. 7,000 ($170) is nothing for us living in US and earning in dollars. But it is a huge difference in lives of people who burn their blood as fuel all day for a few rupees supporting large families. I am more joyous than they were as my insignificant help brought smiles in their tired faces. How lucky and blessed I am to have such an opportunity?
I get a number of such requests every month and I feel sorry for my inability to help every one.
Friends, if you do any such thing (I am sure you have been doing) at your capacity and would like to share with us, please do so. If you would like to undertake such good deeds through our project, you are welcome. But the guideline is that the recipient should not be related to the donor in any way (near or far) as we should not count helping a relative in this.
Photos of Ms Usha --------------------------------------------------------------- First picture Above : Ms Usha and her mother receiving the cheque of Rs.7,100 from our representatives in Guntur, AP. Middle: Ms Usha's three sisters (Ms Usha is not present in the phot) with her mother and grand-mother at her house.Look at the house they are living in and it gives you an idea how poor they and how much Rs: 7,000 means to them. Below: A note from my relative in Telugu. It goes like this (in brief):
Dear Brother-in-law, Blessings in the name of Jesus. Thanks for your help to orphans. Your help to the girl is a help to the entire family. When you spoke to them on that day, the depressed mother became over joyous. The girl is more determined now. I am sending the photos as you have requested.
Yours Sunder --------------------------------------------------------------- Second picture: Ms Usha's nursing school admission certificate --------------------------------------------------------------- |
