Bhanurekha

Aruna is the paternal aunt of Bhanurekha*, who lost her parents during the pandemic. “When Bhanurekha lost her parents, I took her under my care, but I am also old, and dependent on my son’s earnings. Besides, I had to pay-off the loans my brother had taken, not to mention the exuberant medical costs that I had incurred for the treatment of my brother and sister-in-law,” says Aruna recalling those tough times. Bhanurekha went on to score 86% in her class XII exams, but struggled with college admission. When Aruna got to know about the Emergency Childcare programme of SOS Children’s Villages India, she approached the concerned field team. As initial support, grocery and hygiene kits were handed-over to the family. During programme enrolment, it was noticed that the death certificates of Bhanurekha’s parents were missing. The family was helped with the same, as these documents were needed for various processes. As the next measure, Bhanurekha was enrolled in one of the best colleges in Bangalore to pursue her BCom (Honours). “I can’t believe that I am studying in this college. When I think of the time I had lost my parents, it was like a dark curtain of uncertainty that fell over me. I am now feeling much better – content, calm and happy. My extended family and I are now in a much better place. We are now rebuilding our lives, together.”