Vijayawada :

A former child worker from Kurnool city is set to join the oncology department of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. K Sivaprasad, hailing from a backward community, topped the list of candidates shortlisted for admission in doctor of medicine (DM) at NIMS even though a host of candidates with MD qualification vied for only three seats in oncology this year.

What makes Sivaprasad’s achievement special is the fact that he once used to slog at a jute factory after dropping out of school. As there were four mouths to feed, his father Eswarappa had no option but to ask the std VII student to work at the unit along with him for a daily wage of Rs 30. Sivaprasad’s mother Visalamma vended milk to support the family.

The boy’s life took a different turn in 1997-98 when he was spotted by M V Sivakumar Reddy, deputy inspector of factories, during a raid against child labour. The inspector rescued him from the workplace. However, Eswarappa expressed his helplessness to allow Sivaprasad to study further.

Sivakumar Reddy not only offered to pay the fee and purchase schoolbooks but also ensured that the boy was admitted in a nearby zilla parishad high school. Sivaprasad obtained decent marks in the class X public examinations and opted for BPC in intermediate.

Subsequently Sivakumar Reddy extended financial help so that he could attend coaching for EAMCET in a corporate college. Sivaprasad scored 2000-odd rank in the exam, completed his MBBS and later joined a reputed college’s post-graduation course.

The unassuming doctor is not that surprised to have got the chance to become an oncologist.”After all I worked hard and it paid me back at the end of the day,” he told TOI. Visalamma was obviously ecstatic.”I am the most satisfied person today. Everything that has happened is due to God’s grace. I hope he will serve the poor,” she said, patting Sivaprasad on the back.

Eswarappa pointed out that while there are many people with a lot of money, only a few try to help the needy.”My son now has a rare opportunity which so many others crave for. This shows that poverty is not a hindrance to reach heights,” he averred.

Sivakumar Reddy was elated to hear the news.”I never thought of Sivaprasad creating history. I just did my duty and he lived up to everyone’s expectations,” Reddy said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Vijayawada / TNN / July 23rd, 2015