KOTTAYAM: A former

who is working in a school belonging to the Catholic church has sprung a surprise by joining Sangh Parivar-leaning National Teachers Union (NTU).

Silimol Sebastian, a teacher at St John's Nepumsian's Higher Secondary School,

, formally took the membership of the union at a meeting here. Silimol have never been a member in any organization so far. The teacher said she needs the support of a union to fight for her rights.

Silimol left the church in August 2016. Silimol said she does not want to speak about the reasons for leaving the church then. Though Silimol left the church, she continued to teach in the school managed by the Pala diocese. Silimol, a native of Elamkulam in

, is teaching social work for the higher secondary students here.

The state president of the union, Sadanandan, gave her the membership during a meet of women teachers of the union here on Saturday.

Though Silimol is facing a lot of challenges owing to the decisions she have taken in her life, she says the support of her students have been a pillar of strength.