Less than a year ago, Swati Krishna was hanging on to life precariously on a hospital bed.
With her liver damaged beyond repair due to jaundice, this teenager hailing from Edakkattuvayal panchayat near Piravom was just hoping to get her life back.
Thanks to the benevolence of the residents of her native panchayat and the public at large, which collectively mobilised about Rs. 35 lakh, and more importantly, the large-heartedness of her aunt Reina who donated a part of her own liver, Swati managed to return to life after a successful surgery last July.
So, while browsing the Internet flanked by parents searching for her higher secondary results on Wednesday afternoon, Swati was already a winner having defeated death. But the result that flashed on the computer screen brought another reason for cheer for this commerce student of Mar Koorilose Memorial Higher Secondary School at Piravom. A plus for all subjects that Swati has managed to secure fighting the odds is an inspiration to all those who think of giving it up at the first challenge that life throws at them.
“Of course, I am very happy. It was not entirely expected,” said Swati with the controlled demeanour of someone who has known greater ecstasy of getting back lost life.
True to her nature, the teenager first thought of her school and the teachers who supported in her treatment and studies alike. She visited the school with a box of sweets and shared the good news with teachers who were more excited than she.
Her father M.K. Krishnankutty said, “Though she was a bright student, this result is surprising considering her state of health all through the Plus Two days. The surgery was conducted on July 13 last year and she missed classes for four months. She had to pursue studies from home with the help of the Internet,” he said.
Mr. Krishnankutty has no big dreams for her daughter. “Let her study as much she wants and pursue her own dream. We had a dream of getting her back amongst us and that has already been fulfilled,” he said.