Palak's story: From dumps to home to school

HAPPY ENDING: Palak's foster parents want her to study to be a doctor.

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Keywords: Palak, Girl

Surat: Three-year-old Palak was rescued from a trash bin more than two years ago.

Dumped by her parents, she found a mother in Rekha Patel, a maidservant, who took her home.

But her foster parents, ignorant of rules about adoption, did not get a birth certificate issued for Palak, because of which school after school refused her admission.

But after CNN-IBN brought to public notice Palak's plight, the Gujarat administration acted swiftly, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles. The Nutan Vidya Sankul, the school that had earlier refused her entry, opened its doors to Palak.

"I really appreciate the initiative of your channel in getting admission for the child,” said Managing Trustee, Nutan Vidya Sankul, Balram Bhagat.

The state government brought in more good news for the family. "Not only has she been given admission, the state government will take care of all her education expenses till class VII,” announced District Education Officer, Surat, P N Dave.

Palak's foster parents, Rekha and Pradip Patel are overjoyed. Their dreams of seeing Palak become a doctor could now well become reality.

"I am very happy. Thank you very much. She can now study and become somebody big in life,” said Rekha.