Tribal orphan lives lifetime in 17 years

One such story is of 17-year-old Shilpa Prakash Shirodkar, an orphan from the tribal Wada taluka of the district, who is now pursuing a D.Ed. course to become a teacher. This may not be a great course and an extraordinary achievement for many of us, but studying D.Ed. is a dream that has come true for Shilpa, who had to cross a hundred hurdles to reach the level.

Talking to UNI, Shilpa said she stayed in the initial period of her life at her maternal uncle's house, devoid of proper care and attention. Then a ray of hope fell in her life with the arrival of Prasad Chikitsa, a wing of spiritual organisation 'Gurudev Siddhapeeth' in her village. She met the volunteers of the organisation and told them about her problems and they assured her all the help she needed. Shilpa completed her class seven to ten at an Ashram School in Gunj, getting some respite from her woes. However, many new challenges were waiting for her. She wanted to do further studies but had no money with her. She approached Prasad Chikitsa again, who helped her gain admission in class eleven. Another problem she was facing was commuting to her new college, which was far away from her uncle's house. Help came in the form of a friend, who put her in touch with a local newspaper editor Sharad Kale. Mr Kale helped her in securing a room in a hostel near the college and also persuaded the management to give her education free of cost. Thus she was able to get through her HSC. She also took part in various competitions, including singing, in these two years.

Studying D.Ed was another challenge, for which Shilpa had to leave the house. So she contacted Varshatai, an associate of Prasad Chikitsa, who came to her aid. She took Shilpa's responsibility and got her admission into a D.Ed. college. Now she is staying in turn at homes of Varshatai and her colleagues.

After recounting her story, a teary eyed Shilpa said, ''I don't have anyone, but I have everyone. After I complete my education and get an employment, I will support the needy orphans. This will be my final salute and tribute to those who helped me stand erect in society and earn a name for myself.'' Shilpa's saga is an example of how society can take care of the orphans and not allow them feel that they are alone.

-- (UNI) -- 01BY25.xml

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