CHENNAI: On Saturday, Fathima Shadana and her family were worried if she could pursue engineering after having succeeded in the IIT-JEE (Main). The family, supported by Fathima’s father Shahul Hameed who washes dish at a roadside eatery, earns just enough to make ends meet.

Sunday brought hope, as Fathima was flooded with a flurry of calls from people offering her financial support after TOI published her story of toil and grit. Software professionals, industrialists, bankers, engineers, trusts and private organisations expressed interest in supporting the 17-year-old girl’s higher studies. Fathima, who lives in Saidapet, had qualified for IIT-JEE (Advanced) with 83 marks in the IIT-JEE (Main) which also made her eligible to apply for a seat in NIT and IIIT.

“I am touched by her story. It is sad that children who are good at studies cannot afford it. My friends and I will try to provide as much help as possible,” said Yogeswari, a software employee. “Our bank would like to offer Fathima an educational loan,” said Bala Karthika K, chief manager of a nationalised bank.

“I received calls from many people offering financial aid for my studies. I am extremely happy,” said Fathima. With help coming her way, she wants to pursue computer science or chemical engineering. “I don’t want to give away the opportunity. I will work hard towards achieving my goal,” Fathima said.

“We are happy that people are coming forward to help us. We will put in all our efforts to provide her the best opportunities,” said Bahira Begum, Fathima’s mother. Fathima’s father earns 300 after 15 hours of work a day.

Fathima is among three corporation school students who have cleared the IIT-JEE (Main). She was among a few students selected by FIIT-JEE to provide free coaching for bright students from economically backward sections. The family had earlier not wished to send Fathima for IIT-JEE coaching , but was persuaded by her school headmaster S K Balasubramanyam.

