Girl who studied for SSC exam on footpath moves into a 1BHK

Some dreams do come true. At least 17-year-old Asma Sheikh agrees. The girl, who lived on a footpath until literally yesterday, passed her Class X (SSC) exam by studying under a lamppost near Azad Maidan and then went on to join a top-notch city college, has just realised her dream of having a roof over her head. Asma moved into a 1BHK flat on Thursday and will stay here for at least three years. “My dream is complete,” a smiling Asma trilled as she entered the flat on Mohammed Ali Road. “I am so happy...,” is all she managed to say. medium85894777The teenager, who lived on the footpath where her father sold lemon juice, stepped into the house with her parents and siblings. Once in, she plonked on a cushioned seat in the furnished home and looked around, taking in her new world. Her brother romped about excitedly and sank onto the mattress on the bed as their mother looked on incredulously.The family will stay here for at least three years, until Asma completes her graduation. Asma shot into limelight after she passed the SSC exam last March. TOI had reported on her plight and how she had braved the odds to clear the school public exam despite the odds. Only recently, TOI had published a photo of the girl studying on the footpath, ducking under a plastic sheet as it rained. medium85894272A few months ago, a bunch of overseas donors decided to help Asma. Moved by the circumstances of the bright girl, these do-gooders from different countries in the West, including an Indian, collaborated with one another and chipped in Rs 1.2 lakh to help Asma live with basic amenities for at least three years until she completes her graduation and takes up a job. The money will be used to pay the rent, electricity bills and for the family’s basic needs. The girl is currently a student of Class XII (Arts) at K C College, Churchgate. medium nocaption85888488One of the key persons who facilitated Asma’s entry into the new house is a Spaniard, German Fernandez, who came across Asma’s story on social media. “I was touched on reading about this girl,” Fernandez said. “Education can help transform the quality of a person’s life… Also, I’m all for supporting women’s education,”As for Asma, she is keen on pursuing her studies. “I am very, very happy today,” she said in English when TOI visited her home. Evidently, the teenager’s love for studies has helped rewrite her family’s fate.Read Also 85835275