Shalini A can be mistaken for just another 17 year old girl with an impressive 85% in her Karnataka PUC exam, except that she has done it after fighting all odds.

Shalini works as a maid in 5 different houses, cleaning utensils, cooking and even cleaning bathrooms. She had to take up all these jobs in order to sustain her family, as her father has been bed-ridden for over a decade after he fell off a building, her brother was diagnosed with blood cancer, and her mother had to give up her own job as a housemaid in order to look after them. Ultimately, it was left to young Shalini to earn for her home.

We salute the spirit of this young fighter who has not allowed her circumstances control her destiny. It also serves as an inspiration to the millions of people who are facing adversities and want to give up on their goals because things seem difficult.