DHARMAPURI: A first generation Arunthathiyar girl student attended her first class at Government Dharmapuri Medical College (GDMC), here on Monday.
M Manju, whose dreams of pursuing MBBS was facing financial hurdle, was helped by philanthropists across the State following an Express report shedding light on her plight.
Thanking Express for giving voice to her plea, Manju said, “Were it not for the news report, I would never have been able to enter the college.”
Following the publication of the report, judges and senior advocates from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court pooled Rs 85,000 for her studies. The DD was handed over to Manju by the Superintendent of Police Asra Garg.
“I will never forget the gesture. A day after the report came in print, people began calling on me promising financial assistance. A senior police officer from Salem bought me my first year books. The Madurai Bench judges and advocates pooled money for my fees. We had never seen each other, but still they came forward to help me. My dream is their gift,” says Manju, barely able to hold back her tears.
The wannabe pediatrician said that the gesture had put responsibility of great magnitude on her shoulders. “I have to do justice their support. I will work harder than ever to express my gratitude,” she added.
Meanwhile, the senior police official, who bought Manju her first year books and did not want to be named, told Express, “I did it because she deserved it. I wish her all the best for her future.”
Manju’s success was a proud moment for the entire community in general and the family in particular, said her sister Tamizhselvi. “It was the dream of our entire family. Her success would inspire people from our community. She truly has become a role model,” she added.
100 Join on Day One
The first year classes started at the Government Dharmapuri Medical College (GDMC) here on Monday. As many as 100 students attended the class. Of the 100, 15 students are from
other states.