The news, ‘A schoolgirl writes a painful letter’, published in the Thursday edition of Republica National Daily ignited concern about Puja Khatri – a sixth-grade student studying at Jamunakharka Secondary School, Maygdi. The news, featuring a handwritten letter, published on the front page, consisted of Khatri’s request; she had requested the school to expel her because she could not afford further studies.
The news caught the attention of the students at Everest English School at Mibachhen, Bhaktapur, after their teachers insisted the students, from grade six to 10, to read the article. “I was speechless after reading her story. At first, I could not control my tears. When I compared myself with that sister, I started crying,” said Priyanka Karki, a 10th-grade student.
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Likewise, Sagar Chatauta, from the same grade said that the students in the class were shocked when her story was told in the class and they became keen to help her. The founder principal of the school, Bhakta Rajbhanadari, said that the teachers asked the students to read the article to analyze what was happening in the Nepali society. He added, “The way we told her story will encourage generosity among the students,” he said.
Also, after reading the story, former Supreme Court judge, Balaram KC, visited Nepal Republic Media’s office at JDA Complex, Bagdurbar, on Monday to inquire about the Khatri’s condition. KC handed over a cheque of Rs 25,000 for Khatri’s education. He applauded the efforts of Republica and Nagarik National Daily during his visit.
