Lost mother to cancer but not losing in Kalolsavam; Niranjana wins first place in folk dance

NEYYATTINKARA: UP folk dance, first place...Niranjana. When Niranjana heard the announcement of the results, she fell on her grandmother's bosom and sobbed. She kept her promise to her mother but her mother was not there to hug and kiss her... It's only been a few days since cancer took Niranjana's mother.

Thiruvananthapuram District Kalolsavam venue witnessed sad scenes. VS Niranjana is a class 6 student of Venjaramoodu Government UPS. It was her mother Saritha who stood by her dancing aspirations even when her father left her. Her mother taught her by working as a labourer. Saritha was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and died leaving her daughter all alone on the 21st of last month. Niranjana's competition was held at the Attingal sub-district Kalolsavam on the 24th. She stepped in, suppressing her anguish. Niranjana came to the district kalolsavam with the first place. She had secured the second place in Bharatanatyam.

Niranjana was with her grandmother Sarojam in Punalur after Saritha's death. Saroja has a shop there. Saritha's sisters Bindu and Soumya and dance teacher Namitha are also with Niranjana offering her all the support she needs.

"My daughter must have seen everything. This is her victory," Sarojam said, wiping away her tears.