Prof Manjushree
Ekal student, Pinki Karmakar, ran for India with London Olympic Torch in Nottingham Square on June 28
Seventeen year old Pinki Karmakar is a student of class Xth standard in Barbarauah Tea State High School of Dibrugarh district, Assam. Pinki started her journey from Ekal Vidyalaya in Barburuah Tea village of Dibrugarh. “It was the only running school in my village then,” she said.
Pinki’s father Shri Rajan Karmakar is a painter in a factory and mother Smt Leela Rajvar plucks tea leaves. Among five sisters and one brother, Pinki is the brightest. She is good in sports and studies, her father proudly said. Pinki practices sports under the project “Sports for Development” of UNICEF. She was selected on her merit to run with Olympic Torch in Nottingham Square. Both her parents were extremely happy when I visited her house and met with the family on July 3, 2012. I spoke to Pinki and her parents at her village house. In conversation with me she expressed her ambitions and future plans. I was amazed to hear her desires to serve the nation and the community through her sports skill and education. In spite of her family constraints, she teaches village women to read and write in the evening and sports to children.
She wants to work with Ekal Vidyalaya Abhiyan, she said. Shri Radheshyam of Dibrugarh region also accompanied me. He assured Pinki to pursue her education without any hesitation. The organisation will help her. Pinki felt extremely happy. Pinki is proud of her country. The whole village is proud of her.
Pinki Karmakar was also honoured with Phulam Gamcha (the traditional Assames symbol of honour) in the public function of inauguration of Ekal Mahila Varg in Dibrugarh on July 1. Pinki told the media ,“I am elated. It is due to the Ekal Viidyalaya I have reached here.”
