Pulpally: Instead of shying away, Anjali decided to fight the obstacles in her way and today, she is the first veterinary doctor from the Paniya Tribe. Anjali Bhaskaran, from 73 Pulpally Cheeyambam is a member of the Paniya tribal community and passed the Veterinary and Animal Science degree from the Kerala Veterinary University with excellent grades. Her story is of confidence, struggle and hard work against a system which pushed her community into the sidelines.
Anjali's parents met the cost of her education working as labourers, raising cows and borrowing from near and dear ones. Bhaskaran, her father, still owes two lakhs as debt. Anjali completed her primary education in a one-teacher school in the forest fighting wildlife and under the light of a kerosene lamp. Until fourth grade, Anjali studied at Alternative School in Cheeyambam 73. She completed her tenth grade from Pookode Model Residential school and twelfth grade from Kattela MRS School, Thiruvananthapuram. After completing her degree in Kozhikode Veterinary School, she is currently interning with a Polyclinic of Animal Husbandry Department in Bathery.
Anjali has decided to go ahead with a post-graduation. Anjali added that her sole aim is to benefit her community and her people.
Anjali's elder brother Aneesh works in the excise department while her younger brother is a driver. "I feel more proud than happy to have a child from our community win a doctor's degree with excellent grades," said Kerala Paniya Samajam District President CK Bala Krishnan.
"Although there are many highly educated people in the community, many have not been able to reach top levels. Anjali's degree's glitter is manifold," he added.