Mannanchery: With a quiet smile that masked years of personal loss, Khadeeja of Mannanchery has earned a doctorate in pharmacy, fulfilling the dream her late parents had for her.

Khadeeja, daughter of the late Maideen Kunju and Subaida, faced a series of tragedies while growing up. As a school student, she lost her sister Majida. Soon after, her father died, leaving her and her mother to cope with the grief.

Her elder sister Fathima was married by then, and Khadeeja continued her studies while staying with her mother. But tragedy struck again when Subaida, a schoolteacher in Alappuzha, collapsed and died suddenly.

Left to face life on her own, Khadeeja committed herself to education, determined to honour her parents’ wish that she build a secure future. She went on to complete her B.Pharm degree at a private college in Cherthala and has now achieved her doctorate in pharmacy.