DR. SAKKIRA BEGUM

Dr. Sakkira Begum is currently settled in Ahmedabad. She hails from a village in Veppanthattai taluk in Perambalur district, one of the most economically backward regions in Tamil Nadu. She secured 56th rank in the Indian Forest Service examination in 2012. It was a morale booster for those who have been fighting for women's education in her district. More than 170 child marriages in her district - which is otherwise notorious for child marriage - have been stopped in just two years since her achievement.

She achieved a rank of 3 in the ICAR Exams and was first among women. She received her doctorate in Genetics from the ICAR in New Delhi. She has been working as a scientist at the National Groundnut Research Station in Gujarat

What is your favourite word?
Gratefulness. I really like that word and it's also something that is constantly on my mind. For even the smallest help that someone does to me, I feel so grateful that I cannot stop thanking them and thinking about how someone went a little out of their way for me. I believe that being helpful, being kind, and being thankful is something that we all take for granted in most situations. I am extremely conscious about expressing my gratitude for everything I have in my life. Counting your blessings keeps you grounded.

I come from a very small village. Women’s life over there was all about their kitchen, their kids, and their husband, and for a few, it extends to their close relatives. Life begins and ends with their home. Right from my childhood, I always wondered why. They couldn't live on their own terms, and I wondered why their lives didn't extend beyond the village. So, since childhood, I've had the need to question and the need to discover solutions. I can't pinpoint a certain event that ignited my desire to go over my limits and succeed in life. While attempting to resolve, it was all a process.

What would you want the young boys & girls to learn from your journey?
I was born in a small town. When I was a kid, I wondered if it was possible to achieve anything in life. I come from a very economical background. I chose to study at IARI not simply because it was the best institution I could attend, but because it would enable me to receive a fellowship. With college, I'll be able to have my accommodation, education, as well as receive a scholarship. I felt that I could comfortably study for "Civils'" with such a chance. Although my father was able to support me financially for my education, I was very keen that my achievements should be a result of my hard work. I didn't want to depend on him.

More than ever before, youngsters have so many options to get scholarships for their education. If today’s generation is determined enough to achieve something, nothing can stop them. Everyone around and every institution is providing enough opportunities to solve every challenge along the way - especially with finance. All that they need is a strong will to do.