Widowed at 29, Sujatha turns tragedy into a journey of triumph with Indian Railways

Thiruvananthapuram: Sujatha's life has been much like a railway track laid over jagged stones of pain. But from the wreckage of personal tragedy, she has built a new path and continued her journey with remarkable determination. Today, her journey stretches from working in a cotton company in Andhra Pradesh to becoming a Senior Ticket Examiner with Indian Railways.

Sujatha Akkulai moved to Thiruvananthapuram in 2001 with her husband, Nageswara Rao, who worked in the mechanical department of Indian Railways. The family settled in Paravoor, Kollam, and life appeared to be on a steady course.

Everything changed on June 30, 2005.

Nageswara Rao left for work at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station but never returned home. The following day, which was their daughter's birthday, Sujatha received the devastating news that he had met with an accident in Mangaluru. Even today, the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear.

With two young children by her side, unable to speak the local language and with no family to support her, Sujatha travelled to Mangaluru. Despite treatment at the medical college hospital, Nageswara Rao could not be saved. Her four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son clung to her as she faced the unimaginable loss.

Widowed and left to raise two children alone, Sujatha returned to her hometown. Having studied only up to Class 6, she secured a Group D job with Indian Railways in 2006 under the compassionate appointment scheme.

Determined to build a better future for her family, she resumed her education. As language was a barrier, she continued her studies in Telugu, travelling to Andhra Pradesh to write her examinations. She completed her Class 10 education and later passed her Higher Secondary examinations. Remarkably, she studied alongside her daughter Dharani, who was then pursuing Plus Two in Kerala, following the Telugu syllabus herself. Along the way, she also learned Malayalam.

At the same time, Sujatha appeared for departmental examinations in the Railways. Her perseverance paid off in 2017 when she was promoted as a Ticket Examiner. She later rose to the position of Senior Ticket Examiner and is now awaiting promotion as a Travelling Ticket Inspector. Her next dream is to earn a postgraduate degree.

Her determination has inspired her children as well. Sujatha now lives at the Thampanoor Railway Quarters with her son, Sai Venkat, who is pursuing a career in cricket, and her daughter Dharani, who is preparing for the Civil Services examination.