Stories Of Change

“In the slum where I live, many parents are worried about their children’s education. Poverty and circumstances have forced us to always live from hand to mouth. Many girls could not study beyond class 8. My father is a tailor and the last two years, he did not have a job, owing to the pandemic. My mother, a housewife, had to work as a maid to make ends meet. Like many, I was also on the brink of dropping out from school. Had I not received the scholarship, it would have been almost impossible for me to continue with my education. I want to study science, pursue Biotechnology. And I want to help girls in my community complete their education.”

Debasmita is a recipient of Smile Foundation’s merit-based scholarship that is helping her continue her education.

“I have never experienced parental love and compassion. Growing up without parents is like not having an umbrella to protect you from life’s struggles. Luckily, I have my grandmother by my side, who took upon my responsibilities when my parents passed away. She is my confidante, saviour, and my parent all in one.

My grandmother always used to tell me stories about my parents – how they were both highly educated with successful careers. Despite our financial struggles, she put aside every penny she could save for my higher education so I could be just like my parents. Despite the generational gap, she always listens and understands my perspective and offers her support unconditionally.”

Sumandeep is a student of Class 12th at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, MDPS in Amritsar, Punjab.

“I walk several kilometres each day to get to school. While I walk, I pass a variety of people on the street, some of whom are walking like me, some cycling, and still others riding in air-conditioned cars. There is not much difference between all these people. These individuals put in a lot of effort, with only their education standing out. I want to become a nurse not just for the money but also because I love helping those who cannot afford basic healthcare.

I still recall the days when my father had a fever for three weeks yet continued to work to provide for our family’s needs. Those like my father, who goes to work despite having a fever, a cold, a cough, and a ton of burden on their shoulders, are the types of individuals I want to assist.”

Divyal is now a student of class 9 at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, MDPS in Amritsar, Punjab

“Do other kids who lost their parents also feel this loneliness? I was just a few months old when I lost my father. But I have my mother and she loves me to bits. She works as a helper in a tailor’s shop to run the family and to her, my smile is everything. I am her source of joy and courage.

Going to school, making friends and learning new things every day, keeps me going. It’s nice to look forward to things in life. I haven’t yet decided what I will become. But it will be someone my father would feel happy and proud about.”

Nazpreet is a student of Class 6th at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, MDPS in Amritsar, Punjab.

“Some people say I am unlucky. My father went away when I was born, and later my mother died in an accident. But I think I am very lucky – because I got a second mother. Just when I felt I had been orphaned and had no one to love me, Maa brought me to my new home. She is my mother’s cousin sister. I got my own sister in her daughter Shobha. We have grown up together, go to the same school, and share everything with each other. Shobha’s father died five years ago. Since then, Maa has been working in the factory. There is never enough food at home, but whatever we eat, she always divides equally between me and Shobha. I do not remember much about my mother. But Maa makes sure we always take her name in prayer. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened to had I not met her.”

Lavanya and Shobha both study in Class 4 at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre in Hyderabad.

“Having five sisters is challenging; our relatives make us feel like a burden to them. They believe that a girl’s goal in life is to get married, and our worth is defined by it. And therefore, I am grateful to my parents. No matter how challenging the situation gets, they never make us feel like a burden. They understand that marriage is not our whole life but a part of it.

They are my heroes. I have seen them stand up to the stereotypes imposed on us, giving up on their food so we could eat some and working in the dark so we have a bright future.”

Naina is now a student of class 7 at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, MDPS in Amritsar, Punjab

“When you lose your parents, your life is turned upside down. Two years ago, I lost my mother. Last year, I lost my father in a road accident. I felt a huge empty space in my heart. It’s painful and uncomfortable.

I sometimes envy other people who have parents— and when they complain about something their mom or dad did, I choke down my tears in silence. I keep thinking if only I had more time with them. I think about what I would have said and seek forgiveness for what I failed to do for them.

In witnessing my parents die young, suddenly life felt very short, and each moment became incredibly important. It is heart breaking– not having them in a world where I am growing, learning, and accomplishing little goals. I love them and miss them. Attending school gives me a sense of purpose and meaning in life. I will become something that my parents would be proud of.”

Diksha is one of the brightest students at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education in Darjeeling, West Bengal. She lives with her paternal uncle.

“My father is a farmer, working on other people’s land for a daily wage. Despite all the other troubling issues in his life, he ensures that nothing affects my education. He is okay with remaining hungry but is never prepared to watch me give up on learning. He views my education as a promise that I will work hard to keep.”

Rita studies in Class 1 at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, Dapta in Kalahandi, Odisha.

“My father used to sell vegetables, but during the pandemic everything closed down and he was at home. It came to a point where we would eat only once a day to save enough food for the next day.

The school was shut down too, and I was not sure if I would ever go back to my studies again. Then one day, Teacher Ji came to our home and explained that from now on they will organize classes in the village temple. Only 8-10 children would attend the class at one time and everyone had to wear masks.

I had been ready to give up at that time but that visit from my teacher and the cluster classes that started happening became my only hope. Now the school has opened again, my father too has resumed work. And I am working hard towards achieving my dreams.”

Neha, Student at Mission Education centre in Alwar, Rajasthan hopes of a better future amidst the odd circumstances.

“I belong from a very small village; my father is a farmer and the only bread earner in the family. My parents struggle daily to ensure nothing stops my sister and me from getting an education. My father always believed that education would transform our lives. I am proud of him and happy that I could make him proud. I aim to become a doctor one day.”

Manani is a student of Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, Sri Aurobindo Integral Education & Research Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha.

“When I told him I wanted to be a doctor, he had the biggest smile on his face. He was proud of me for wanting to pursue my dreams and encouraged me to work hard and never give up. He has always been my biggest supporter and motivator.

Growing up, I watched my father work tirelessly to provide for our family. He held down multiple jobs and worked long hours, always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. From working long hours to taking on extra jobs, my father has always put his family’s needs first.

Despite the challenges he faced, he never gave up or lost sight of his goals. He taught me the value of hard work and showed me that anything is possible with determination and effort. It is because of him that I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Sriya studies in Class 6th at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, Udiyaman in Sambalpur, Odisha.

“There are many girls in my village who never got a chance to go to school. When villages are remote and your family struggles for basic needs every day, education no more remains a priority. This was my story too. I never had any interest in my studies. I ignored the lessons taught and often skipped classes. Regardless of all these, my teachers never gave up on me.

They started giving me responsibilities– making me participate in all co-curricular activities and organising school events. And just like that I started to enjoy learning and being at school. My parents were the happiest when I was ranked among the highest scorers in class 8. I hope to make my parents and teachers even more proud in the near future.”

Harsimran is a student of Class 11th at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre, MDPS in Amritsar, Punjab.