Malappuram: Nishana, a native of Andhra Pradesh, is preparing for the 4th-grade equivalency exam, taking a step towards her dreams of literacy. Nishana, a 32-year-old mother of two who came to Kerala from Kadapa, Nandyal in Andhra 20 years ago, is now preparing for the 4th-grade equivalency exam after learning Malayalam. She gained admission to the equivalency course after trying hard.

With the help of P Ajithakumari, a literacy 'Prerak' (motivator) of the Malappuram municipality, she passed the literacy exam in 2023. Upon registering for the 4th-grade equivalency exam, she also received study materials from the District Literacy Mission office. Since Nishana had left her hometown at the age of twelve, she had no school records to present, which made it difficult for her to enroll in the literacy course. Nishana is stepping into the world of Malayalam letters by overcoming these obstacles one by one.

In 2005, a family in Tanur adopted Nishana. After her mother was murdered and her father was imprisoned, the helpless girl was welcomed to a new life by the family in Tanur. However, it wasn't long before a dark shadow was cast over her hopes. Life with the family she thought were her saviours became unbearable.

The young girl ran away, and her journey ended at the Mahila Mandiram (a women's shelter) in Tavanur. Later, she strived to stand on her own feet, working as an assistant hostel warden and a cook. During this time, her romance and marriage with Muhammed Nisar, a native of Othukkungal, gave Nishana a new life.

Although she had to drop out after studying up to the 4th grade in a Telugu medium school, she began her continuing education in Malayalam. She learned the letters of the new language through acquaintances. She collected the 4th-grade equivalency curriculum materials from the District Literacy Mission office, accompanied by her two children.

Nishana, who currently resides in Payyanad, Manjeri, and works as a tailor, now dreams of completing her 10th-grade studies. Her son, Muhammed Hadi, is in the 5th grade, and her daughter, Hadiya, is in UKG. She wants to provide a good education for her children and help them with their studies.