Kolar: While most students walked into their SSLC exam halls with pens and hall tickets, Kusuma S alias Kusumanjali arrived in an ambulance. Recovering from serious injuries and still under medical care, the KGF student turned adversity into achievement, scoring first class and inspiring many with her grit.Kusuma, a student of St Mary’s High School in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), secured 374 out of 625 marks in the exams. She earned B grade in Kannada, Hindi, and mathematics, and C+ in other subjects. Her journey has been anything but easy. In Sept last year, she met with a serious accident, sustaining grievous injuries to her leg, thigh, and hips. She underwent multiple major surgeries and spent months in recovery. Just weeks after being discharged, she developed an infection and was hospitalised again in Dec. Doctors advised that further surgeries would be required once her wounds healed. Determined not to lose an academic year, she continued her studies from her hospital bed with permission from the school authorities and the education department. Her teachers sent notes, assignments, and homework to her mobile phone. With support from classmates, she managed to keep up with the coursework. As the exams approached, Kusuma made a firm decision — to appear for them, no matter the challenge. Her teachers coordinated with the department to facilitate her participation, while her parents sought special provisions. After reviewing her records, the authorities permitted her to write the exams with the assistance of a scribe. On exam days, she was brought to the centre by ambulance. Now, as the results are out, Kusuma, who continues to be hospitalised, has expressed satisfaction and gratitude towards her teachers and classmates for their constant support.
