Clad in a pair of jeans for the first time, much to the dislike of her maternal uncles, Uma Mageshwari Muthuswamy, 20, bid goodbye to her relatives as she left Chennai last month.
A few months ago, she had never heard of Northampton in the United States, but today, she lives there. In August, she will fly to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, to pursue a one-year academic course on business management at Kapiolani Community College.
A student of corporate secretaryship course at YWCA Community College in Chennai, she was one among 42 students from India selected to participate in the ‘2012-13 Community College Initiative Scholarship Programme’ after passing the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) examination. Before she wrote the TOEIC exam, she was tutored in English for two months.
When this reporter wrote to her, she wanted to convey the following message to her mother: “Amma, don’t worry. I’m safe here. I owe all my accomplishments to the hardship you underwent all these years to raise me.”
Born as the eldest of three children, Uma’s parents separated when she was 10 years old. Since then, Durgabai, her mother has been working as a domestic help. After completing class X in Singaram Pillai Matriculation School in Villivakkam, Uma was shifted to a government school as her mother could not afford the fees.
After schooling, Uma joined YWCA Community College to pursue a diploma in corporate secretaryship. “Her perseverance and determination is astounding. She is a quiet student and minds her own business. Despite a difficult life, she hardly ever missed her classes,” said principal S. Rajeshwari.
As part of the course, she interned and later worked at Raj Holdings in Chennai in the export department assisting in filing and documenting. She was a meticulous worker and a valuable team member, said George B. Cherian, CEO of Raj Holdings. “She would leave office only after making sure that the day’s work is complete,” he said.
She writes effortlessly with her three-fingered right hand. Fifteen days after she was born, Uma developed an infection in the right hand, Durgabai said. When Uma was admitted to a private hospital, doctors amputated her ring and little fingers.
After she was discharged, her parents took her back home without collecting her birth certificate. Twenty years later, she struggled to get a passport. “I ran from pillar to post to get her certificate issued on time and finally got it after two weeks,” said her principal Rajeshwari.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the United States funds the course on business management and pays a stipend of $700 for a year, said Anand Krishna, Information Officer at U.S. Consulate in Chennai.
Uma is likely to return in August 2013. “Life has always been a struggle for the four of us. Now, I see happiness through my daughter,” said Durgabai, choking back her tears.
Excerpts of interview with Uma Mageshwari Muthuswamy
Did you face any difficulty during your travel?
Surprisingly, I did not. An American who travelled with me helped out at every stage of the trip.
Tell us about your food and accommodation.
I’m not sure where I’m residing. I think it is close to the college. On Saturday, I was given $20 to spend on food for two days. Also, I just received my student ID card. I was given $117 dollars on Monday with which I have to manage food expenses.
What are your plans after you come back?
I may want to pursue higher studies on return. I’m also keen on resuming my job at Raj Holdings.
