Children of waste pickers plan futures after good HSC scores

Pune: Dipali Mane is the first in her family to pass Std XII. She took up commerce and scored 85.6%. After Std X, due to lack of a college nearby, her father Vijay, thought of pulling her out of school. He is a member of Kach, Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP) for 20 years, and works on a ghantagadi in Pimpri Chinchwad. But Dipali approached the panchayat for help."The organisation spoke with my parents and convinced them to enroll me in Marathwada Mitramandal College in Kalewadi and helped with educational material and coaching," Dipali said.Sandhya's mother, Archana Shankar Kambale, works as a SWaCH waste picker in Hadapsar. and so does her father. She took up commerce and scored 82% and is preparing for the police recruitment exam. "I want to become a police officer and give my parents a better future," she said.After Shruti Londhe's father passed away, her family faced severe financial difficulties. "My older sister would tutor me when she came back from college. KKPKP provided me with study materials and guidance for the exam, which gave me support," Shruti said. She took up the vocational stream and scored 75%. She wants to become an architect.Sangita Nirmal's father passed away in 2020 and her mother, Vaijanta, has taken played a crucial role in ensuring that her education continues. Sangeeta has scored 74.8% in commerce and wants to study for an MBA. She is from Warje.Pooja Ravat success in HSC where she scored 72.8% in commerce is testament to her parents' support. She too wants to become a police officer. Mangal Sakat is a waste picker by morning and works as a domestic worker in the evening. She dropped out of education 15 years ago but the panchayat helped her go back. "When I found time from work, I would study. I attended evening classes. My husband and children supported me," she said. She scored 69% in Arts.Father carried Krishna to exam hallKrishna Landge, has muscular dystrophy that was diagnosed when he was in Std IV. His parents, who are waste pickers, have always made his education top priority. "My father carried me to the exam hall. Now all I want is to study hard and secure a govt job. I won't be defined by my disability," Krishna, who passed with 55% in the commerce stream, said. He has steadily lost movement in his legs.
Check AP SSC 10th Result 2026 on TOI