Eighteen-year-old Baishakhi Khatun has faced physical mobility challenges since birth. Walking with a severe limp due to a congenital condition, every step is a struggle. Yet, neither physical barriers nor extreme poverty have stopped her. Overcoming these adversities, she is currently sitting for her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations.
Baishakhi is the daughter of Md. Mannu Molya and Dalim Begum from Magura village in Narail Sadar upazila’s Maijpara union. Having previously passed her SSC exams from Maijpara KDM Secondary School, she is now taking her HSC exams as a Humanities student from Maijpara Degree College.
Beyond her physical challenges, Baishakhi’s family faces crushing poverty. Her father, Md. Mannu Molya, a local van driver, explained their struggle:
"I bought a tiny piece of land and built a hut using microcredit loans. My van-driving income barely covers our daily needs and loan installments," he said. "Because of our poverty, my younger son had to drop out of school. I have brought Baishakhi this far with great difficulty, but I can no longer afford her educational expenses. If a kind soul took responsibility for her education, she could truly thrive."
Despite the hardships, Baishakhi remains determined. "I want to study and become a teacher," she said. "I have many dreams, and I want to overcome all obstacles to do something good in life. Please pray for me."
Her mother, Dalim Begum, added that Baishakhi often borrows books from classmates and copies notes by hand to study because the family cannot afford proper textbooks or private tutoring.
Suchindanath Mondal, a lecturer at Maijpara Degree College, praised her dedication: "Baishakhi is a brilliant student. Knowing her financial and physical struggles, I try to help her with books whenever possible. With the right support, I believe she will reach her goals."
Narail Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) TM Rahsin Kabir also expressed his support. "Her courage, confidence, and indomitable spirit are an inspiration," he stated. "The upazila administration will stand by her so she can achieve higher education and fulfill her dreams."
