Fathima Shadana
The example of Fathima Shadana is a powerful proof that people are ready to help a deserving candidate across the line of race, cast and religion.
Saturday May 3rd, brought a mix of joy and worry for Fathima Shadana and her family, who is studying in a corporation (government) school in Chennai. She cleared IIT-JEE (Main) that made her eligible to apply for a seat in NIT and IIIT. Even though she succeeded in the IIT-JEE (Main), Fathima and her parents were worried if she could go forward pursuing engineering. Due mainly to her father’s extremely low income of Rs. 300 a day; working as a dish washer at a roadside fast food push cart from 5 am till 10 pm at night.
This accomplishment became possible thanks to coaching Fathima received at a private institution. She was among a few students selected by FIIT-JEE to provide free coaching for bright students from economically backward sections. For engineering aspirants across India, getting into an IIT is the ultimate dream. Students sacrifice two, four or even six years of life to prepare for the JEE exam. These days, students as young as 6th class enroll in Foundation JEE coaching programs to build up correct approach to science subjects right from the beginning.
According to Bahira, Fahtima’s mother “we were hesitant to send her for coaching because we knew it meant expenditure later. But her headmaster S. K. Balasubramaniam came home and convinced us both.” The happy girl, Fathima tells that she never dreamed of getting trained in a private institute. This opportunity inspired her to work hard; Fathima’s day would start at 6 am in the morning and end around midnight with most of the time spent after study but still helping her mother with daily routine.
After this happy occasion of conquering JEE Main entrance exam 2014, there is just one common prayer in the family: Bahira says they just want God to give them enough resources so that they can send Fathima for higher studies in a reputed engineering college, Bahira said that she and her husband are school dropouts, as she added, “Nothing is more precious for us than our children living their dreams.”
Times of India published her story and on Sunday Fathima and her family were flooded with a flurry of calls from people offering her financial support from all cross section of society. “I received calls from many people offering financial aid for my studies. I am extremely happy,” said Fathima. With help coming her way, she wants to pursue computer science or chemical engineering. “I don’t want to give away the opportunity. I will work hard towards achieving my goal,” Fathima said.
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