16 YO Karnataka Girl Who Ran Away From Home To Escape Child Marriage, Scores 90% In PUC Exam!

A resident of Kotturu village in Karnataka, Rekha V packed her bags and left home after her mother forced her to get married when she was 16. Rekha had some big dreams to fulfill and opposed marrying at such a small age and moved to Bengaluru with a friend. She rented a PG in Hebal and joined a computer course at a private institute there. But she wasn’t satisfied with the course and wanted to pursue higher education.

She sought help from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) by making a call on the Child helpline. Rescued by the committee members, Rekha was shifted to Sparsha Trust in Mathikere. They also helped her secure a seat in Government PU College in Gollahalli, Nelamangala.

Determined to become an IAS officer, Rekha worked hard for two years and appeared for II PU examination this year. The results of the exam were announced on April 18. Rekha has passed the exams with flying colors and scored 542 out of 600 marks that’s 90.3% with a centum in history.

Rekha had also scored 74% in SSLC examination before she left her home two years back. She aspired to become an advocate first.

“I lost my father when I was a kid. I left the house as I was against child marriage and wanted to continue my studies. Now, I have a clear goal in life. I want to become an advocate first and then appear for the civil services examination,” Rekha told TOI.

R Gopinath, managing trustee of Sparsha Trust said, “Rekha was determined and focused. She was rescued by the CWC after she sought their help. We are proud of her achievement.”

Girls like Rekha are an inspiration for thousands of underprivileged children who are scared to dream big. She has set an example of how hard work and perseverance can make fortune work in your favor!

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