Chinnadurai, a Dalit student from Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, who faced caste violence, has secured 78 per cent marks in 12 public examinations while a transgender, A Nivetha, scored 47.1 per cent marks.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday felicitated both Chinnadurai and Nivetha, for their achievements despite adversities.
“The CM congratulated me and assured me of all the help for my higher studies. CM asked me about my future plans. I told him I wished to pursue a B.Com at a college in Tirunelveli. Following that, I want to take up CA so that I can become an auditor. My family members are also happy with my marks,” Chinnadurai told reporters on Tuesday.
Chinnadurai, 17, endured a brutal attack by three schoolmates from a dominant caste in August 2023, leaving him hospitalised and requiring surgery on his hand and fingers.
To make sure Chinnadurai continued his education, Tte Tirunelveli district collector facilitated his schooling relocation. Despite the challenges, he wrote his exams with the aid of a scribe as he didn’t heal completely from the wounds he suffered in the brutal attack.
Nivetha’s journey was marked by rejection from her family due to her gender identity. Leaving home at 14, she found support among other transgender people and managed to pursue her education. She scored 283 out of 600 marks in the 12 board examinations.
Both Chinnadurai and Nivetha were commended by social media users for their resilience and determination.
Nivetha aspires to clear the NEET examination and become a doctor to serve the marginalised and transgender community.
Source Agencies
