#20200806 - BE Mech 2nd year student from Chennai Institute of Technology

To lose both parents in a gap of three years has been a heart-wrenching experience for this student. Cancer took away his mother in 2017 when he was about 16 years old. Soon, his father began drinking heavily and suggested that the student take up a job rather than go to Class 12. However, the school and teachers stepped in and helped the student by offering the final year of schooling free of cost. 

Determined to continue studying, the student took the guidance of a teacher to enter college. His mother’s sister acts as his guardian and persuaded the student’s father to take on the responsibility to pay the college fees. The father had agreed to do so but passed away in September 2019. 

The student’s aunt is a tailor and the sole breadwinner in the family. They have not been able to avail any bank loan although they did try. The fees last year was paid with the support of some friends and family but this year the student has not been able to get assistance. He said he has an 8.9 CGPA in his first year. 

As colleges are yet to open after the lockdown, the student is working in a shop for Rs. 100 per day. He is also speaking to the college to request a fee reduction. A teacher, with whom Aalayam conducted a phone interview, said the student has 90% attendance in classes and is active in class. 

Aalayam hopes to assist the student’s studies with a sum of Rs.40000