At least 20 tribal girls from an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Vidarbha have defied the shadows of past sexual abuse to achieve remarkable success in their CBSE exams. As per the media report, the harrowing ordeal, inflicted by hostel authorities five years ago, was buried as the majority of these survivors triumphed in their Class 10 and 12 exams with flying colors.
Intervention by the court and police, coupled with swift rehabilitation efforts by the Maharashtra tribal department, played pivotal roles in helping these resilient young women overcome their trauma. Despite enduring nights of sedation and assault, they emerged victorious, with all students scoring above 70% in their board exams, as reported by teachers.
The triumph doesn’t end with their academic achievements. Three rape survivors cleared the JEE (Mains) last month and are now preparing for the JEE (Advanced), while one participant even clinched victory in a national NCERT quiz contest last year, earning well-deserved applause.
The abuse, which took place at the now-shuttered Rajura Residential School hostel in Chandrapur district, remained hidden until a parent brought his daughter to a government hospital, where doctors confirmed the assault. Predators preyed on girls under 12 years old to avoid pregnancy risks, often aided by complicit private doctors. The survivors’ courage to come forward and lodge a police complaint eventually brought the abuse to light, marking a crucial step towards justice and healing.