I am Kumar, a 16 years old boy. I come from Palakkad district, and my village is known as Attapadi. I am a tribal student, and my mother tongue is our tribal language. I can also speak Tamil, (the language of Tamil Nadu) , as we are close to Tamilnadu. I faced difficulties in reading and writing Malayalam when I joined Blossom projects, but now I can read and write it, though with some mistakes. I am overcoming these challenges gradually. In my family, I have one younger sister and my mother. My father committed suicide due to alcoholism, and there were frequent quarrels with my mother. This led to a tragic incident when, during a drunken quarrel, he beat my mother with a firewood, she lost her consciousness, he thought she died, and then hanged himself on a tree. Now, my mother works as a helper at a kindergarten (Anganwadi).
Despite these hardships, this is the happiest time in my life. I appreciate Blossom (Lokuttara) for providing the opportunity to study far away from my village. My previous school wasn’t suitable for me, and I spent 11 years there. I had to study two years in 1st class.So I took 11 years to finish my 10th class. Even Though I spent 11 years at the same school I couldn’t learn much there, except during drill periods. One positive aspect was that a good teacher, who was our physical education teacher, helped me become the second performer of the “Student cadet police” wing. It was a proud moment for me, otherwise I do not have any sweet memories from my school. My friend Murukan, who is studying with me at Blossom right now, we both studied in the same class up to 5th class at the same school. He was lucky. He got an opportunity to move to another school in Pattambi town, where he excels in Malayalam.
Unfortunately, I never received support to change my old schools, everybody was discouraging me. 121 students were studying in my class with 3 divisions, there were 4 Dalit students (scheduled cast), remaining we all were tribals. Now I am realizing I spoiled my 11 years. It is my luck to join here in Blossom projects (Lokuttara). Now I can read and write. Also, I am learning English.
I love being here because it is very far away from my town. It was my dream to go away to study. Also I love the teachers here. I never feel any discrimination and exclusion here. I am always getting encouragement at Blossom.
I want to be a Policeman, that is my goal. Same time, I love agriculture. My father was a good farmer, Still I have some memory and experience of farming with my father. I love farming and I also want to be a police officer.
