Maid's daughter off to study in the UK

Domestic help's girl wins scholarship to University of Westminster

Domestic help's girl wins scholarship to University of Westminster

Super women: Varalaxmi Pillai browses through the business section at a Crossword outlet in preparation for her course. Pics/BIPIN KOKATE, DATTA KUMBHAR

Varalaxmi Pillai (21), who grew up watching her mother work 12-hour days as a domestic help, has done her mother proud. She has won the Sheriff's Scholarship for Women to the University of Westminster, London, and will leave Mumbai tomorrow to pursue her Masters degree in International Business and Management.

Varalaxmi, who lives in Kanjurmarg, told MiD DAY, "My father died when I was five. My mother, Shanta, worked very long hours first as a packer in a biscuit factory and then, for 12 years, as a domestic help. She only stopped last year."

Proud mom

Shanta, a proud mother, said, "I worked as a domestic help in several houses. I swept, cooked and washed vessels to bring home the money." And Shanta's courage is what inspired Varalaxmi the most.

"As we lived a hand-to-mouth existence, my brother and I missed out on several school picnics and excursions. We borrowed textbooks and stationery from friends. We received clothing from beneficiaries," said Varalaxmi, who completed her education with sheer grit and some help from Good Samaritans (see box). She went on to gradate from H R College of Commerce and Economics in 2007 and joined Thomas Cook, where she has worked for the last 18 months.u00a0

Meanwhile, her brother, Yograjan, too got a job and the siblings were finally able to support their mother.

Family first

An excited Varalaxmi is now not only looking forward to her course, but also the journey to London. She said, "This is the first time I will be travelling in an airplane. In fact, I am the first member in my family to travel abroad for studies."

Varalaxmi will finish the scholarship course in January 2010, but she has no intention of stopping there. "I will try to earn another scholarship so that I can finish my doctorate," she said.

Helping hands
Varalaxmi was able to complete her education with the help of several trusts like the Thodumal Shahani Trust and mentors like travel writer Meher Moos.