Sulabh Foundation founder Bindeshwar Pathak on Sunday handed over a cheque of `8 lakhs to Sushma Verma, the child prodigy who has completed her graduation at the age of 13.
The aid from Sulabh is to help the girl pursue higher studies. Apart from cheques of `8 lakh, Dr Pathak also handed over an I phone, an iPad, a laptop, a desk top and a LED TV to Sushma. A sum of `3 lakhs would also be given to her after six months.
Dr Pathak announced at a function held here that Sulabh would provide financial assistance to Sushma for higher studies in India and abroad.
Sushma has taken admission in B.R. Ambedkar Central University here as her age did not permit her to join a medical course.
“After M.Sc, I will not be able to sit for CPMT because of my age. So, I will do PhD,” she said.
Sushma’s father, Tej Bahadur Verma, is a daily wage labourer. Sulabh Foundation has promised to provide her a housing facility near the university campus to ensure better environment for the child prodigy.
The family had to sell their land to pay for Sushma’s education. Her father earns barely `200 a day to feed a family of five.
Dr Pathak, while addressing the function, said, “The girl is an inspiration for students belonging to elite background. With the prize money, Sushma can fulfil her requirements. We will extend all support to the child even later on.” He said that Sushma was a great motivator for children.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters, Sushma said that she missed having a better atmosphere and a better neighbourhood.