From daily wage worker to Tata Institute student: Vipin’s inspiring journey

KOCHI: He lost his mother at a very young age. His father abandoned the family, while his elder brother and sister, who had been his support, eventually moved on with their own lives. Since then, his maternal aunt Lakshmi has been his main source of care and support.

For 20-year-old P Vipin, a native of Karulai in Nilambur and a member of the Aranadan tribal community, life has been far from easy. After his education was interrupted midway, he took up rubber tapping, agricultural work and household chores to make a living. Today, he has overcome those hardships and is set to begin his undergraduate studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Tuljapur, Maharashtra.

Vipin was able to resume his education with the support of Lokuttara Leadership Academy, an organisation based in Mavelikkara that helps students who have discontinued their studies. Suresh Babu, a tribal promoter from his locality, identified Vipin and brought him to Lokuttara.

He did not have to worry about the cost of accommodation, food or education. Encouraged by Lokuttara director Arun, Vipin resumed his studies. He says he even learned Malayalam there.

Opened his books again

Vipin completed a six-month Plus Two equivalent course through the National Open School system. He later obtained a diploma from the Nagarjuna Training Institute in Nagpur, where he studied Buddhism and social work.

He then appeared for an entrance examination and secured admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady. Soon after, he secured admission to the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, which had long been his dream. He travelled to Tuljapur yesterday. Vipin is the youngest of Sindhu and Chathan’s three children. Vishnu and Vineetha are his siblings.

“I want to become a social worker. I want to return to Lokuttara. There are many children from marginalised communities who, like me, had to discontinue their education. I want to help them.”
- Vipin