Emblem of success

Santwana Rani Ray of Haridas village of Sarpukur union in Aditmari upazila under the district has set a glorious example of defying odds, achieving success in education as well as martial art through dedication and perseverance.

She won bronze medal in the 20th Taekwondo World Championship arranged by International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) in North Korea's capital Pyongyang on September 15-21.

Earlier she won in second Fazilatunnesa Muzib ITF Championship in Dhaka in 2012, seventh Asian Taekwondo Championship in Nepal's capital Kathmandu in 2014, and Walton seventh National Taekwondo Championship in Dhaka in 2015.

Santwana Rani Ray, 32, daughter of Subhas Chandra Ray, a farm labourer, and Jamuna Rani Ray of the village, is the eldest among four siblings.

She completed honours in history from Rangpur Government College in 2008 and masters from Rajshahi Government College in 2009. She also achieved LLB degree from Rangpur Law College in 2013.

“After my admission to Rangpur College, I started practising martial art in 2004. As my parents are poor, I had to earn by working in an NGO alongside study. Now I support my younger siblings, especially for their education,” said Santwana Rani Ray.

“Despite applying to different institutions, I failed to get the job of a sport teacher as authorities demanded handsome amounts as donation,” said Santwana, who has continued her NGO job still now.

“I am still single as nobody wanted to marry me without a good amount of dowry money. But I am determined not to marry anyone who will demand dowry.

“I teach martial art to village girls to help them build self confidence for own defence,” Santwana said.

Her younger brother Ratan Chandra Ray and sisters Babita Rani Ray and Popy Rani Ray are reading in different institutions.

Babita Rani said, “Didi (Santwana) always tries to meet our family requirements. She is very much keen to our education. We also learn martial art from her,” she said.

“I feel proud of her,” said Santwana's father Subhas Chandra Ray.