TIRUVANNAMALAI: A celebratory mood descended upon the tribal residents of Jawadhu Hills on Tuesday, as they welcomed one of their own, 23-year-old Sripathi, who recently cleared the Tamil Nadu Civil Judge examination to become the state’s first tribal woman judge.
Her achievement is further accentuated by the fact she sat for the exam merely two days after giving birth.
Born in Thurinjikuppam village, Tiruvannamalai, and raised in Yelagiri Hills, Tirupattur, Sripathi was married off at a very young age, but despite this she continued pursuing her education with the unwavering support of her mother.
While preparing for the civil judge exam during her pregnancy, the daunting prospect of the delivery coinciding with the exam date failed to deter her. Despite the baby’s early arrival, she managed to attend the exam the day after.
Speaking to TNIE, Sripathi’s father Kalidas said, “I am just a housekeeper. I have no words to express what I feel, I am very happy my daughter passed the examination.”
Chief Minister M K Stalin took to ‘X’ to laud the young tribal woman’s achievement. Expressing pride in her selection as a civil judge, Stalin emphasised on the Dravidian model’s commitment in prioritising Tamil-medium students and promoting social justice in Tamil Nadu.
A Facebook post by teacher Mahalakshmi, a close confidante of Sripathi’s family, read, “Her achievement is a milestone in the history of Jawadhu Hills. Moreover, her husband’s steadfast support has been instrumental in her success.”
The teacher also underscored the disparities between the southern and northern regions of the hills and stressed on the need for more focus on the latter to ensure even and balanced development in the region.
‘DMK is committed to Tamil-medium students’
In a post on ‘X’, CM Stalin expressed pride in Sripathi’s selection as a civil judge and emphasised on Dravidian model’s commitment in prioritising Tamil-medium students.