Gopika who lost family in Pettimudi disaster to realise doctor dream

Pala: G Gopika, the girl who had lost most of her family members in the landslide at Pettimudi in Munnar a few years ago, is commencing her medical studies from Saturday. 

The teachers of the Brilliant Study Centre, Pala, who offered full support to Gopika are accompanying her to the Palakkad Medical College for her admission.

It was her own and her deceased parents’ wish that she must become a doctor.

Gopika had lost 24 of her family members and relatives, including her father P Ganeshan and mother Thangam, in the landslide that happened on August 6 2020. Gopika and her sister Hemalatha, a degree student, were at their cousin Lekha’s house in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram when the disaster that shocked Kerala happened. Lekha is the daughter of Ganeshan’s sister. 

She had talked to her parents on the phone right before the incident. “It was their wish that I should become a doctor. My efforts, hereafter, are to fulfill that wish. I have full confidence,” Gopika said.

"The Brilliant authorities gave huge support to me. My coaching there was completely free of cost. I  am grateful to the teachers who encouraged me even amid struggles as well as friends, people’s representatives and others," Gopika said. 

“I am going to Pettimudi next week. The last time I visited Pettimudi was one-and-a-half years ago,” she added, teary-eyed.

This is for the first time a native of joining the Rajamala Estate at Pettimudi is joining for the MBBS course. 

Gopika had passed her Plus-Two exams with full A+ grades. 

After the tragedy, the Kerala Government reckoned Gopika as the adopted daughter of the State.