Stories Of Change

I come from a small village where life is not easy. My father is a farmer, the only one in our family who earns. He works from sunrise to sunset, struggling to provide for us. My mother helps him in the fields and takes care of our home. Even though they work so hard, there are days when we don’t have enough food to eat. When I was little, I often fell sick. My parents used to worry because the nearest hospital was far away, and we had no money for medicines. I remember my mother holding me in her arms, whispering prayers, hoping my fever would go away. My father would sit outside, staring at the sky, helpless. Then Sanvedana NGO came into our lives like a blessing. They made sure I received proper medical care and taught my parents about good health and hygiene. Now, I am stronger, and my parents are less worried. I dream of becoming a doctor one day—not just for myself but for all the children in my village who deserve a chance to live a healthy and happy life.

Having five sisters is challenging, especially when relatives see us as a burden. They believe that a girl’s only purpose in life is marriage, and our worth is measured by it. But I am grateful to my parents, who never let us feel like a burden, no matter how difficult the situation gets. They understand that marriage is just a part of life, not its purpose. They are my true heroes. I have seen them stand up against the stereotypes placed on us, sacrificing their own comfort so that we can have a better future. They have given up their food so we could eat and worked tirelessly in the dark so we could have a brighter tomorrow. At just 5 years old, Kumari is receiving healthcare support from Sanvedana NGO, ensuring that she grows up healthy and strong, ready to create a future beyond the limitations society tries to place on her.

I have never known the warmth of parental love. Growing up without parents feels like walking through life without shelter from its storms. But I am lucky to have my grandmother—she became my protector, my guide, and my biggest support when my parents passed away. She often tells me stories about them—how they were both well-educated and had successful careers. Even though we struggle financially, she always puts my education first, saving whatever little she can to ensure I have a bright future. Despite our age difference, she listens to me, understands my dreams, and encourages me every step of the way. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9. I dream of completing my education and making my grandmother proud, just like my parents would have wanted.

Some people say I am unlucky. My father left when I was born, and later, my mother passed away in an accident. But I believe I am very lucky because I found a second mother. Just when I felt alone in the world, Maa brought me into her home and into her heart. She is my mother’s cousin sister, and from the moment I arrived, she treated me as her own daughter. I also found a sister in her daughter, Shobha. We have grown up together, go to the same school, and share everything. Shobha lost her father five years ago, and since then, Maa has been working tirelessly in a factory to take care of us. There is never enough food at home, but whatever we have, she always makes sure to divide equally between me and Shobha. I don’t remember much about my mother, but Maa ensures we always take her name in our prayers. Sometimes, I wonder what would have happened to me if I hadn’t met her. Today, thanks to Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 2 at the age of 7, receiving both education and the support I need to build a better future.

My name is Tanya, and I am just 4 years old. I live in a small slum with my mother. I don’t remember my father because he left us when I was very little. My mother works as a maid in houses, cleaning floors and washing dishes, just so we can have food to eat. Some days, when she doesn't get work, we go to sleep hungry. I often fall sick because the water we drink is not clean, and we don’t always have enough food. My mother worries about me a lot, but she never lets me see her tears. She dreams of giving me a better life, but she is alone and struggles every day. Then Sanvedana NGO found us. They gave me food, clean water, and helped my mother get health checkups. They also told my mother that one day, I can study and become strong enough to change our lives. I don’t understand everything yet, but I know one thing—because of Sanvedana NGO, my mother smiles a little more, and I feel safe.

In the slum where I live, life is a daily struggle. My father used to work as a laborer, but ever since he fell sick, he has not been able to earn. My mother does whatever work she can find—washing dishes, cleaning houses—just to put food on our plates. But some days, we still sleep hungry. I am only 4 years old, but I can see how hard life is for my family. When I fall sick, my mother gets very worried because we cannot afford a doctor. She holds me close and prays that my fever goes away on its own. Sometimes, she skips her meal just to buy medicine for me. I have seen tears in her eyes when she thinks I am not looking. But Sanvedana NGO changed everything. They helped me get the medical care I needed and made sure my family had support. Now, my mother does not have to worry every time I fall sick. One day, I want to grow up strong and take care of her—just like she takes care of me.

I come from a very small village where my father, a farmer, is the only earning member of our family. Every day, my parents struggle to make sure that nothing stops my sister and me from getting an education. Despite the hardships, my father firmly believes that education has the power to change our lives. I am proud of him and grateful for his sacrifices. His unwavering support motivates me to work hard and make him proud. One day, I dream of becoming a doctor so that I can help people in need and give back to my community. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am now studying in Class 3 at the age of 8, taking steps toward a brighter and more promising future.

Growing up as a girl in my family has not been easy. Our relatives often make us feel like a burden, believing that a girl’s only purpose in life is to get married. But my parents never let me feel that way. No matter how difficult things get, they remind me that marriage is just a part of life, not its purpose. My parents are my heroes. I have seen them fight against the stereotypes that try to limit us. Even when there is little food at home, they sacrifice their share so that I can eat. They work hard, often late into the night, just to make sure I have a bright future. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am now in Class 2, at the age of 7, receiving an education that will help me chase my dreams and build a life beyond the expectations placed on me.

I have never known the warmth of parental love. Growing up without parents feels like walking through life without shelter from its storms. But I am lucky to have my grandmother—she became my protector, my guide, and my biggest support when my parents passed away. She often tells me stories about them—how they were both well-educated and had successful careers. Even though we struggle financially, she always puts my education first, saving whatever little she can to ensure I have a bright future. Despite our age difference, she listens to me, understands my dreams, and encourages me every step of the way. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9. I dream of completing my education and making my grandmother proud, just like my parents would have wanted.

My father used to sell vegetables, but when the pandemic hit, everything shut down, and he lost his income. Things became so difficult that we had to eat only once a day to make the food last longer. School was also closed, and I started to lose hope of ever continuing my studies. Then one day, Teacher Ji visited our home and told us that classes would now be held in the village temple. Only 8-10 children could attend at a time, and everyone had to wear masks. At a time when I was ready to give up, my teacher’s visit and these small classes became my ray of hope. Now, the school has reopened, and my father has returned to work. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9, working hard to achieve my dreams and create a better future.

I also found a sister in her daughter, Shobha. We have grown up together, study in the same school, and share everything. Life has never been easy—Shobha lost her father five years ago, and since then, Maa has been working tirelessly in a factory to support us. Even when there isn’t enough food at home, she always ensures we both get an equal share. I don’t remember much about my mother, but Maa makes sure we always take her name in our prayers. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t met her. Today, with the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 3 at the age of 8, receiving an education and a chance to build a brighter future.

Some people say I am unlucky. My father left when I was born, and later, my mother passed away in an accident. But I believe I am very lucky because I found a second mother. Just when I felt alone in the world, Maa brought me into her home and into her heart. She is my mother’s cousin sister, and from the moment I arrived, she treated me as her own daughter. I also found a sister in her daughter, Shobha. We have grown up together, go to the same school, and share everything. Shobha lost her father five years ago, and since then, Maa has been working tirelessly in a factory to take care of us. There is never enough food at home, but whatever we have, she always makes sure to divide equally between me and Shobha. I don’t remember much about my mother, but Maa ensures we always take her name in our prayers. Sometimes, I wonder what would have happened to me if I hadn’t met her. Today, thanks to Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 2 at the age of 7, receiving both education and the support I need to build a better future.

I have never known the warmth of parental love. Growing up without parents feels like walking through life without shelter from its storms. But I am lucky to have my grandmother—she became my protector, my guide, and my biggest support when my parents passed away. She often tells me stories about them—how they were both well-educated and had successful careers. Even though we struggle financially, she always puts my education first, saving whatever little she can to ensure I have a bright future. Despite our age difference, she listens to me, understands my dreams, and encourages me every step of the way. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9. I dream of completing my education and making my grandmother proud, just like my parents would have wanted.

My father used to sell vegetables, but when the pandemic hit, everything shut down, and he lost his income. Things became so difficult that we had to eat only once a day to make the food last longer. School was also closed, and I started to lose hope of ever continuing my studies. Then one day, Teacher Ji visited our home and told us that classes would now be held in the village temple. Only 8-10 children could attend at a time, and everyone had to wear masks. At a time when I was ready to give up, my teacher’s visit and these small classes became my ray of hope. Now, the school has reopened, and my father has returned to work. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9, working hard to achieve my dreams and create a better future.

“In the slum where I live, many parents struggle to provide education for their children. Poverty forces families like mine to live hand to mouth, and many girls drop out after class 8. My father, a tailor, lost his job during the pandemic, and my mother had to work as a maid to support us. I, too, was on the verge of dropping out. Without the scholarship from Sanvedana NGO, continuing my education would have been nearly impossible. Now, I aspire to study science and pursue Biotechnology. One day, I hope to support girls in my community so they can complete their education and chase their dreams.” Debasmita is a proud recipient of Sanvedana NGO’s merit-based scholarship, ensuring that financial hardships do not stand in the way of education.

My name is Tanya, and I am just 4 years old. I live in a small slum with my mother. I don’t remember my father because he left us when I was very little. My mother works as a maid in houses, cleaning floors and washing dishes, just so we can have food to eat. Some days, when she doesn't get work, we go to sleep hungry. I often fall sick because the water we drink is not clean, and we don’t always have enough food. My mother worries about me a lot, but she never lets me see her tears. She dreams of giving me a better life, but she is alone and struggles every day. Then Sanvedana NGO found us. They gave me food, clean water, and helped my mother get health checkups. They also told my mother that one day, I can study and become strong enough to change our lives. I don’t understand everything yet, but I know one thing—because of Sanvedana NGO, my mother smiles a little more, and I feel safe.