Sreeranjini, 8th standard, Kozhimala, Idukki District

“My teacher told me that Mata Amritanandamayi Devi was giving scholarships. Before that, I’d never heard of Amma nor her ashram. I sent an application directly to Amma’s address. Amma read my letter and gave me Vidyamritam,” recollects Sreeranjini, a student in the 8th standard from the remote village of Kozhimala in Kerala’s Idukki District.

Sreeranjini was one of the first Vidyamritam beneficiaries, enrolled in the scholarship program in 2007. Her mother—whom Sreeranjini’s father abandoned when Sreeranjini was only four years old—works at a cardamom plantation. Her meager wages are the sole support for not only Sreeranjini but also for Sreeranjini’s grandparents.

For Sreeranjini, Vidyamritam has opened up new horizons. Not only has the scholarship allowed her to remain in school, but she has also been able to travel twice now to Amritapuri. The first time was for the enrolment ceremony in 2007. In fact, that was the very first time she had ever left her village. Now, after receiving first place in the Vidyamritam regional elocution competition for juniors, Sreeranjini has come to Amritapuri a second time to compete in the finals.

“I want to take first place,” she says. “Then I will receive the award directly from Amma. I really want to study hard, so that I can get a good job. Then I will be in a position to help my mother.”

Preethi Iswaran, 10th standard, Nedumkandam, Idukki District

Peethi Iswaran’s father was rendered blind during an accident in the marble quarry where he was employed. For him and others like him, there is no such thing as workmen’s compensation or disability pay. Now their family is supported exclusively by her mother, who earns what she can doing masonry work. Preethi was enrolled in Vidyamritam in 2007.

Preethi took first place in Vidyamritam’s regional elocution competition for seniors. She says she has only one wish: “To meet Amma, who has been paying for my schooling for the past two years.”