NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

“Never again will she fold her hands Indian style to greet someone. She used to do so, until three months ago. Because Rani doesn't have any arms or hands. Rani Verma, the pupil of the fifth grade at the Rugmark school in Barhi Newada, was the victim of a terrible accident.” wrote Monika Hoegen a journalist from Germany when she met her five years ago. Ms. Hoegen poses a question "But what will become of Rani when she gets older?”

Now after five years, the dedication and determination of Rani Verma coupled with support and encouragement from her teachers at RUGMARK School has her answered. She passed her 10, standard in first division.

Despite severe handicap, she desperately wanted to study. In less than a year, she learnt to write with her feet. She expressed her thanks to her RUGMARK teachers, especially Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shukla, who encouraged and took care of her.

Rani continued her education even after passing 8, standard exam from RUGMARK School. It seemed like life was looking up for Rani but days before the matriculation examination, she lost her mother. “Losing my mother was more painful than losing my arms, but I still appeared for the exam” said Rani Verma.

She appeared in 10, standard exam using her feet to write the exams. She passed the exam in first division and surprised all. One of the national TV channel presented her story on its programme “Aisa Bhi Hota Hai” (such miracles do happen). Her story was covered by nearly all national and local TV channels and newspapers.

The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, moved by her courage and determination to beat all odds and continue with her studies, has sanctioned one lakh rupees (Approx. 1800 Euro) from the Prime Minister’s Discretionary Fund as financial assistance to Ms. Rani. The amount is to be deposited as a fixed deposit in the name of her father Shri Ramesh Chandra Verma and the monthly interest may be withdrawn for the educational expenses of Rani. The principal amount will be given to Rani on her attaining 18 years of age.

Despite all this media hype, she did not forget to convey her thanks to RUGMARK. During her visit to Delhi on 29^th June 2007, she came with her father to the RM Office. She met Dr. Kebschull and Mrs. Sharda Subramaniam and requested to convey her thanks to RUGMARK Chairperson, Mrs. Maneka Gandhi.

Noting the enthusiasm and determination of Rani, RUGMARK offered to continue its help to her. As a first step it has decided to arrange for her private tuitions.