M. Seenivasaga Pandian, a student of Elango Corporation Higher Secondary School, had no doubt that he would fare well in the Plus Two examinations. When the results were announced, his score stood at 1100 out of 1200 marks and he was delighted.
This son of a hotel sweeper proved that he could achieve his aim with focus and consistent effort.
However, his mother M. Vijaya, who played an instrumental role in his performance, was rendered speechless after the result.
After having lost her husband to a kidney ailment in 2014, the onus fell on her to take care of her son’s career. As she had to earn, she decided to join a hotel as a sweeper.
In view of poverty due to medical expenditure, Seenivasaga Pandian had to switch from a private school to a corporation school in standard IX.
“We did not have enough money then and I had to move. I had doubts about whether I would be able to adjust properly or not but I did not give up,” he said.
The family made a collective attempt to cross hurdles. Vijaya would cook and clean her house and ensure that she prepares meals for her son before 9 a.m. Her long day would extend till 6 p.m.
After a day’s toil, she would get ₹ 300. “The results did not come as a surprise. I am overjoyed,” she said.
Seenivasaga Pandian put in long hours of study and never went to a tuition centre for additional support. “I completed my homework on time and reached out to my teachers who were very helpful. I could call them at any time to clear my doubts. They gave me many guides thus aiding me when I did not have the money,” he said.
He aims to study B.Sc. Mathematics and write the Union Public Service Commission and become a Collector.
He intends to provide amenities to pupils from poor background in their formative years. He hopes to abolish child labour. He is looking for financial aid to fund his collegiate education.
