When there’s a will, there’s away. We have heard these words be said many times but seldom do we witness the true power behind them. An inspirational tale of determination and perseverance comes from Shweta Mahato, a quiet girl from the industrial town of Jamshedpur who dreamed to become a nurse.
Despite strides in modern science and active efforts aimed at raising awareness, leprosy continues to be one of the most stigmatised diseases within Indian society. Children from leprosy-affected families, especially, often have to battle with discrimination and exclusion despite not having leprosy themselves. Shweta was burdened with similar baggage, born and raised in a joint family residing in Siddharth Ashram, a leprosy colony in New Baradwari, Jamshedpur. Her grandparents were afflicted with leprosy.
BRAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH DEDICATED EFFORTS
While her family had economic constraints, Shweta’s passion and dedication paved a way for her to perform well in her school. She pursued her schooling in Bal Vikas Vidya Mandir, Jamshedpur. Tata Motors Jamshedpur, in association with Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj (NJMS), an organization working dedicatedly for leprosy prevention, control, and rehabilitation, extended educational and financial support to Shweta, among other children, from class 1.
“We received so much help at such an early stage. Besides covering some of our yearly financial expenses required to buy uniforms, books, and other resources, they also conducted various educational programs in regular intervals” she said.
From class 7 to 9, Shweta qualified for a full scholarship from Tata Motors and NJMS. She passed her 10th board with a remarkable 79%. She then joined Jamshedpur Women’s College to complete her higher secondary education and passed her 12th board with a 73%.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
While she prepared for her nursing examination, Shweta received due guidance from NJMS. “My mentors helped me understand the steps I had to follow to pursue nursing. This included guidance about how to prepare for entrance examinations, along with information about colleges that offer the course,” she informed.
Shweta finally qualified for her entrance exams and enrolled herself in the School of Nursing, Tata Main Hospital. Owing to her reliable performance and sincerity, she also became the recipient of the Nursing Scholarship provided by the Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation. Currently, she is a final-year student pursuing a B.Sc.in Nursing.
Commenting on her remarkable achievement, Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head, Tata Motors, said, “As a socially responsible corporate, we firmly believe in actively encouraging excellence within otherwise neglected communities. Through our association with Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj, we hope to further promote awareness around leprosy, while earnestly backing their efforts of helping young girls like Shweta achieve their dreams without any hindrance.”
“As eager as I am to personally succeed”, says Shweta, “I also want to bring development to our colony, helping other children pursue quality education and secure jobs”. Besides serving society at large, Shweta also hopes to devote time to carry out sensitization around leprosy, removing the stigma around it. Her arduous journey of overcoming stigma and economic limitations by sheer determination and immense efforts provides a testament to the power of human will.
