Video Volunteers (VV) runs India's only reporting network that's focused exclusively on providing broad coverage from the poorest, most media-dark districts in India. We currently have 206 individuals trained across India's most diverse and marginalised communities, who all earn a living as a VV Community Correspondent (CC). Our goal is to grow our network to ensure India's poorest and most…

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 It was a tussle between poverty and education, a slum dweller, Subhashree topped second scoring 93% in her exams. 

Subhashree Maharana from Bhubneshawar, secured an impressive 93% in the Plus II Science examinations, in June 2019 and topped second in Odisha. She is an example of how hard work pays off, if you are determined, and money is not an obstacle to success. 

 “It was a lot of hard work, and struggles, but people around me were really supportive”, said Subhashree. Subhashree with her family lives in the Shanti Palli slum of Sahid Nagar area in Bhubaneswar, Odhisa. Her father met with an accident and became handicapped. Financially, the family was always struggling to meet ends. Subhashree’s parents were worried, that poverty might get in the way of their daughter’s dream of studying further. 

Talking about her financial struggles and studies, Subhashree said, “The private organsations helped me a lot financially. Organisations like Consumer Awareness and Protection Society helped me. Coaching fees and study materials which I was using, I got it for free.” 

Subhashree never considered money as a hindrance while she was preparing for her exams. “Through hard work, you can achieve success academically. If there is a will there is a way. Money is not a big problem”, adds Subhashree. The success story of Subhashree doesn't end here. She wants to further prepare for the medical entrance exam, and fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, one day.

The situation of girls' education in India may seem daunting, but it is progressing with time. Girls are outshining boys year after year in exams, in many states across the country. What is important is that girls should have access to schools and stay in school. 

Video by Community Correspondent Sumitra Barik

Article by Grace Jolliffe, a Member of VV Editorial Team.