Good News: Mother-Son Examinees, Safe Homes For Inter-Faith Couples And More

Mother–Son Examinees

Education

There are not too many occasions when parents and children take the same exam. But when 18-year-old Deepak Sathi appeared for the class-12 exam of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in Ludhiana recently, his 46-year-old mother Rajni did so too. Rajni was compelled to give up her studies and it was almost after three decades that she took her class-10 exams two years ago, with Deepak. “I always wanted to complete my education. It is only now that I am able to fulfill my dreams. My aim is now to complete my graduation,” says Rajni, who works as a ward assistant in a government hospital. Deepak hopes that his mother will accompany him for the bachelor’s degree exam, three years from now. We wish Rajni the very best.

***

Safe Homes for Inter-Faith Couples

Diversity

In a country where inter-faith and inter-caste couples face social ostracization and often violence, the Kerala government’s move to offer ‘safe homes’ for such potential victims recently was welcomed with applause on social media. The state minister for health and social justice K. K. Shailaja, said in the state assembly last month that safe homes will be set up in all districts of the state. Under the initiative, the couples can stay upto a year in these homes, with the state ensuring their financial stability. Shailaja also announced that couples who may be holding government jobs will be considered for transfers on a priority basis. These homes are likely to come up soon across Kerala. We hope that other state governments take a cue.

***

Jail Hands to the Rescue

Service

News comes that the inmates of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Central Jail in Jabalpur, have been busy making masks to tackle the coronavirus. Around 50 inmates went to work, making cotton masks that can be sold in the market for ₹7 apiece. The jail authorities claimed that the masks were prepared in the power looms within the jail and they met the safety standards prescribed by the World Health Organization. At a time when masks have disappeared or are being sold at inflated prices, this initiative and the work of these inmates deserves to be lauded.

***

Heroes

Young and Brave

Image courtesy Caroline Malsawmtluangi

Caroline Malsawmtluangi, 11, became a household name in Mizoram in June last year, when she risked her life to save a kidnapped minor. She received the National Bravery Award for her presence of mind and courage. However, the pre-teen recently demonstrated that not only was she brave, but she also had a heart of gold. Caroline, who lives near Aizawl, visited the minor girl at Thualthu village in the Lunglei district in southern Mizoram and shared half of the ₹20,000 that she received for her act of bravery. Her parents said that Caroline was really disturbed by how deprived the young girl was and decided to share her prize money. We doff our hats to Caroline.