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“Since I cleared by Class X exam two years back, I have been dreaming of becoming a doctor. Now I have got the opportunity...I will return home only after I become a doctor,” says Ashwini with confidence writ large on her face. Clad in a pair of jeans and a denim jacket, the bespectacled Ashwini has got admission in Daghestan State Medical Academy of Russia which has surprised many in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Even, Ashwini is equally taken aback, calling it sheer luck. “After appearing for my CET examination in May, I was coming out of the college when a youth was distributing pamphlets of the Daghestan Academy. I took the pamphlets and next day, sent my application,” says Ashwini, a student of Jain Girls College, Chinchwadgaon.
In June, the Kambles received an approval letter which stated that Ashwini will be admitted to the Academy for the six and half year course. But the fees quoted unnerved the Kambles. ‘‘The fee for the course was more than Rs 12 lakh and we were all stunned,” says her father Vikram Kamble, who earns Rs 3000 per month as a contract driver. “We wanted the admission desperately because Ashwini was determined to become an allopathic doctor. I tried to get admission in ayurveda college, but she refused,” says Vikram.
So, where will the money come from? “The social welfare department has agreed to sanction the amount,” says Vilas Kamble, elder brother of Vikram. “Immediately after we received intimation from the Russian Academy, we applied to the State Government in Mumbai which has directed the social welfare department in Pune to pay the amount for Ashwini’s education.”
When contacted, officials at the social welfare department in Pune said they will send a cheque of Rs 2.20 lakh to Daghestan Academy every year for Ashwini’s education. “Ashwini is among the 25 students selected by the State Government from across the State for scholarship meant for higher studies abroad. After her selection, we contacted the university and have got confirmation letter from them about Ashwini’s admission,” officials said.
Meanwhile, Ashwini’s father and uncle are busy collecting funds from friends and relatives for her flight to Russia and other expenses. “The Academy will provide food and accommodation facilities and the return ticket. But we need money to send her to Russia,” says Vikram who on a given day earns up to Rs 200 or on someday, draws a blank. But that is no deterrent for him. “My brother and I are fully determined to make Ashwini a doctor and we will do anything for her,” says Vikram who separated from his wife eight years ago. Like her father, Ashwini, too, says her ultimate dream is to become a doctor. “I am waiting for my visa...I want to tell you I read English newspapers,” says the youngster whose hut is besieged by clogged gutters.
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