Nirvasha Kumar’s parents divorced when she was 10 years old.

She then moved to live with her grandmother and aunt while continuing her education.

Last Thursday she paid them back for their love, constant encouragement and moral support when she was named the Best All Round students during the Dayanand Anglo Vedic College prizegiving ceremony at Nabua.

An emotional Nirvasha described how her grandmother Sushila Kumar and aunt Sunita Sharma never let her feel that she lacked her mother’s love.

It was also a day tinged with sadness because her grandmother could not be there on the special day to share Nirvasha’s joy.

“My grandmother passed away last month and without her constant encouragement I would not have come this far. What I have achieved is all for her,” Nirvasha said.

“My grandmother and aunt never made me feel that I was a burden to them. They have sacrificed a lot for me and I will do everything for them.

“This achievement came as a surprise for me, but I am happy to be awarded. I wish my grandmother was here, but I know she is happy and watching me from above.

“One thing I have learned is never to lose hope no matter what I am going through. I will forever be grateful to my grandmother and aunt for never making me feel that no one can love me.”

Her aunt, Sunita Sharma said they never regretted taking Nirvasha in when the teenager had no one else to turn to.

“She is like my daughter now and I want her to always remember that we all love her. She has done us proud and we have no regrets in raising her,” Ms Sharma said.

“Her achievement today has really made us happy. She is a hardworking child and we will continue to be here for her no matter what.”

Nirvasha plans to become a journalist when she leaves school.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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