Sudarshan was around six or seven years old when he was found loitering alone in the streets. An orphan, he was rescued by Childline. He spent the next 10 years of his life in shelters.
A few years ago, he was sent to the Don Bosco Anbu Illam, a shelter for homeless boys where he met Vignesh. Vignesh too shares a similar story, only that he ran away as his aged father could not provide for him. The two lived together at the home learning to coexist, making friends and of course, studying well.
On Wednesday morning, the authorities of the home were overjoyed to find out that the two boys had scored over 80% in the Class XII examination. Mr. Sudarshan scored 1052 out of 1200 and Mr. Vignesh 1014. The two studied at the St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Erukkancheri.
While Mr. Sudarshan was known to be a quiet lad, Mr. Vignesh was a popular student at the school. He was also made the school pupil leader because of his accomplishments in academics and sports.
Fr. Joseph Leo, director of the home, said that they were trying to locate their families so that they could pass on the good news to them. “But we don’t know much about Sudarshan’s family as he can’t remember them. But I’m sure when they find out they will be proud of him,” he said.
The boys are currently attending a summer camp at Loyola College. Not only them, six of the seven boys living in homeless shelters in the city had fared well in the public exam.
