A tale of grit and perseverance

Vinodhini, who was forced into an early marriage, puts up an impressive show

12-05-2017, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Vinodhini, A class 12 student scored 1085 marks who was forced in to child marriage at the age of 13 came out after the intervention by CWC . Photo: special arrangement

Five years ago, K.R.Vinodhini, then a 13-year-old school student in Dharmapuri district, was forced to marry a man who was double her age.

Despite several pleas and requests, her father did not budge. After a year of struggle, Vinodhini approached the Child Welfare Committee, which intervened and directed her to be placed under the care of Madras Christian Council of Social Service, a city-based NGO.

Vinodhini later enrolled in the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Villivakkam, and passed her Plus 2 exam with a score of 1,085.

“My father was a daily wage labourer, and the only earning member in the family. He thought marrying me off to this man would reduce his burden. Had I succumbed to it, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have today,” said Vinodhini, who plans to pursue a course related to banking and accounting. “I want to become a Chartered Accountant; but first I need to find suitable and affordable colleges,” she said.

‘Awareness needed’

Recalling her experience, Vinodhini said that it was important to educate young girls so that they too could carve their own identity. “We deserve equal opportunity like everyone else; marrying off girls early is not the solution,” she said.