*Sanjib Das
June 29 : This was an eye opener as to how sheer will power and resolve can bring about a difference in an otherwise hapless woman. Sabita Datta Laskar – a widow with two daughters in Teliamura might have been one among thousand others struggling women but her perseverance recently made her different. She passed Madhyamik with her daughter.
After her husband died, Sabita was facing serious financial crisis even to earn a square meal for the family of three. On top of that she was determined to get her two daughters educated. It was then she started giving private tuition to the children –but poverty remained. Her elder daughter Srabani who was studying in Class X also started private tuition. And one day, Srabani came up with an idea that her mother Sabita should also study and appear for the Madhyamik examination with her. At first Sabita was not confident that she would be able to make it. Her entire day was all about earning and running the family scores.
Besides, she had left studies long ago. But Srabani was not to relent. She kept on pressing and at last Sabita agreed. Lokendra Sarkar, teacher and Narayan Chandra Das, headmaster of Vivekananda Class XII School also encouraged Sabita. Then another struggle began- both mother and daughter duo began studying together. The resolve yielded results : This year both mother and daughter passed Madhyamik under the TBSE. Srabani got admission in Class XI in arts stream. Mother Sabita is also keen to study further, but right at this moment, financial constraint is the stumbling block. Perhaps, she would be able to continue with the studies if some ways are found that would help her financially. (Courtesy: TRIPURA TIMES. The story published in Tripura Times on June 29 issue)
