Coimbatore:
It was a dream came true for V Keerthana, a Class 9 student of Maniyakarampalyam corporation higher secondary school, when she was selected to deliver a speech at the 15th anniversary celebrations of the NGO American India Foundation at Richmond in Virginia.
The NGO was instrumental to introducing technology-enabled learning in corporation and government schools across 10 states in the country. Keerthana was accompanied by A Anju, science teacher at P N Pudur corporation higher secondary school, who delivered a speech at a function organised in New York.
Keerthana said she was filled with excitement and was awed at the sight of an aeroplane. She held onto her teacher’s hand as she entered the Chennai airport. She was the first in her family to have boarded a flight and to cross borders. After the successful US trip, the duo returned to the city a few days back.
Keerthana not only represented the country, but also made the city proud as she received a standing ovation at Richmond in Virginia after she delivered the speech. “I spoke about my family and my experiences. Also, I explained as to how technology-enabled learning transformed my life and personality. After my speech, the entire audience stood and clapped. That moment will remain in my memory forever,” she said.
Having studied in a Tamil medium corporation school till Class 6, Keerthana was introduced to English language only when she joined Maniyakarampalyam corporation higher secondary school. “But I had keen interest in the language and would watch English channels and shows to improve my spoken English,” Keerthana said. Another moment that she holds dear is the first sight of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s gates. “It is my dream to pursue my higher studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and I was overwhelmed at the sight of university gates. Everyone I met encouraged me to work hard and reach greater heights, she further said.
Keerthana’s mother Dhanalakshmi said they were a bit apprehensive at first about sending her daugther to the US. “We were a little worried initially, but we knew that she would be safe. It is a dream came true for all of us. Since she turned 11, she has been telling us that she would visit the US and would pursue her studies there. We knew we could never afford it, but always encouraged her to study well,” Dhanalakshmi said.
Keerthana’s father is a mill worker, while her mother is a home maker. “Many people, including my school head master, helped me for the 10-day trip. Volunteers of American India Foundation arranged everything for us,” said Keerthana.
With just $29 in hand, Keerthana managed to purchase something for her entire family. A statue of liberty stands tall at her home that not only reminds her of the trip, but inspires her to pursue her dream.
Anju is equally happy with the US trip. “I feel very proud and still wonder if it was a dream. We learned a lot from the trip and met many people, including the governor of Viriginia,” she said.
Corporation commissioner K Vijayakarthikeyan said he was proud of their achievements. “I feel very happy when these children get this kind of exposure. We will continue to promote many activities and encourage students to pursue all their dreams,” he said.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Coimbatore / by Komal Gauthami, TNN / June 26th, 2016