Poverty does not deter Udupi dist topper in PUC

DHNS

Padubidri, 10 May 2010: The financial difficulties of her family did not deter her from excelling in studies. Through hard work and dedication, Swathi has secured first place in Udupi district in Arts stream in PUC.

Swathi completed her PUC from Padubidri PU College. She is the daughter of Jagadeesh Acharya and Lakshmi of Padabettu. Her elder sister Sowmya is doing her BCom at Government College in Haleyangadi and younger sister Swarna is in anganwadi.  Though Swathi’s father is a goldsmith, he does not get work all the time. On the other hand, her mother rolls beedis to manage the family. Swathi used to walk for two kilometres to reach the college and after the college, she used to come home and help mother in rolling beedis.

Swathi’s marks include: Kannada—88, English—82, Economics—90, Sociology—93, History—90, Political Science—86 and the total is 529. She had passed SSLC in first class. Though she was interested to take up science, she could not, due to financial crunches.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Swathi said that she was happy to know that she had topped the district.

“Though I expected these marks, I did not expect to top the district,” she said and added that she wants to continue her education in commerce stream and stand on her feet and help her parents and sisters. “Inspite of poverty, my parents have helped me in my studies.” 

Her father Jagadeesh Acharya said: “Just like Swathi’s wish, I too want her to continue studies. But, we are poor and helpless.”