Monday, 30 May 2022 | PNS | Joshimath
In his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi elicited focus on yet another talented native of Uttarakhand. He spoke about Kalpana Negi, a school girl hailing from the Devgram Gram Panchayat in Urgam valley of Chamoli district who scored 92 per cent in her high school examination after learning Kannada language.
Scoring high marks in the high school examination after learning a new language is not the only challenge this native of the border region of Uttarakhand has overcome. She has been facing difficulties since her early childhood and has struggled without losing hope. Kalpana has achieved success and elicited the attention of PM Modi after much struggle. The daughter of Ravindra Negi and Maheshwari Devi, Kalpana lost her mother at a younger age and her father remarried. She herself lost her sight to a disease. Her grandfather Ram Singh Negi became her guardian and uncle Arvind Negi also helped in bringing her up and maintaining her morale. Her life took a turn after professor Taramurthy from Karnataka came to this region. The educationist stayed here for three years and then took Kalpana along with her to Karnataka for further studies. The girl learnt Kannada in about three months under Taramurthy and continued her studies. Working hard under able guidance, she scored 92 per cent marks in her high school examination. In his address on Sunday, PM Modi referred to her struggle and achievement. Her family members and people of Urgam valley have expressed considerable joy at the PM appreciating Kalpana’s achievement.
Kalpana said that the blessings of her grandparents, uncle and aunty, father and late mother have always been with her. She said that professor Taramurthy had come into her life like a blessing and that under her guidance she got the change to move ahead. Crediting her grandfather and Taramurthy for her success, Kalpana said that she wants to become an IAS officer when she grows up.
