Deepika is a student at the evening study centre in Vandal Nagar, Thiruppuvanam, Sivagangai District. Her father, Ammasi, works as a loader on a lorry at a cement shop; her mother, Palaniammal, works in a hotel. Deepika lives with her family and grandmother, Poovayi. Deepika studied from Class I to Class VIII at Thiruppuvanam North Panchayat Union Middle School. She is now studying in Class IX at Thiruppuvanam Government Girls Higher Secondary School.

Deepika’s father is addicted to alcohol. When he comes home drunk, he often quarrels, shouts at Deepika and her mother, and sometimes beats them. Deepika found it difficult to concentrate on her studies. She felt stressed and did not like staying at home. For the past two years, Deepika has been attending the evening study centre at Thiruppuvanam. She enjoys doing her homework, learning new things, participating in activities, and celebrating special occasions at the centre. She considers the centre a safe environment. Deepika also participated in the Children’s Sangamam Summer Camp. She happily took part in various activities, including dancing, singing, parai drumming, karagam dancing, and motivational sessions. When she showed the prizes and certificates she received to her parents, her father felt happy. Since then, he has started treating her with a little more affection.

She wants more children to join the evening study centre and participate in the next summer camp. Deepika dreams of becoming a television programme presenter. If not, she wants to become a nurse.

– Prabu, Trainer.