This Mangaluru boy Passed II PU exams in the face of extreme adversity

Mangaluru: His father passed away six years ago, pushing his family to the brink. He worked at a college in order to supplement his mother's earnings to make ends meet and studied at another. However, when the II-PU examination results were out on Wednesday, it was time for Sudesha T to set aside his difficulties and rejoice. He had secured 403 out of 600 marks. That Sudesha faced a difficult routine in the run-up to the exams would be a gross understatement. Hailing from Tharidala Manilla in Bantwal taluk, Sudesha's day would begin at 4 in the morning, when he would study for three hours. He would then get ready and rush to the Srinivas Institute of Nursing Sciences at Valachil, Mangaluru, where he worked as an attender. His job description ranged from opening the locks of the institution to delivering files between tables. Post-work at 4:30 pm, he'd make a dash to the St Aloysius Evening PU College - taking a bus for the long commute. Sudesha would reach home only by nightfall."I aspire to become a college lecturer," says Sudesha, who is obviously elated. He recounts that he was able to secure admission at an institute by virtue of the fact that his aunt worked as a sweeper there. He later moved on to the evening college. Sudesha's mother Rathnavathi works as an Asha worker. Rev Fr Melwin Mendonca, principal, St Aloysius Evening PU College said Sudesha was very punctual to college and never missed classes. "Sudesha was not only good at studies but took part in all extra-curricular activities," he says. Dr N M Jose, principal of Srinivas Institute of Nursing Sciences, says Sudesha was sincere at work. The institute relaxed his work-timings during exams, and gave him leave on such occasions. Sudesha has interest in hobbies and numismatics is one of them. He has a vast collection of coins from various countries.