The School That Came Home

My story begins in Kasarwadi. I was born and brought up there, and the school campus was like my second home. I attended primary school on that same municipal campus where my daughter, Sarthika, later went to school. When she stepped into the very classroom where I had once studied, it felt like I was coming home again. That moment brought a strong emotional connection, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility toward the school.

Growing up, my education was not easy. I faced many struggles because of financial difficulties. I had to think about earning money, helping my family, and getting through each school year. I did not have the chance to dream about my future. Education was more about survival than opportunity.

When it was time to enroll Sarthika in school, I wanted something better for her. Many parents in Kasarwadi dreamed of private English-medium schools but the fees were very high. I heard about Akanksha because a trusted friend told me about their work with the municipal corporation to run a low-cost or free English-medium school. This gave me hope. Even so, my wife and I decided that her first year at Akanksha would be a test. If it did not meet our expectations, we would send her to a private school despite the cost.

The year at Akanksha changed everything for us. Akanksha was not just teaching lessons or preparing for exams. They cared about the children and their families. The teachers and social workers visited our home, learned about our struggles, and treated us with respect. They made us feel seen and valued. This was very different from the schooling I had experienced.

Because of this, my wife and I decided to get more involved. We joined the School Management Committee. It made us partners in the school's decisions. We helped ensure that mid-day meals were nutritious and cooked safely. We supported school events, field trips, and worked hard to improve the school's infrastructure. We found a closed part of the municipal campus that was unused, and with the help of social workers and local officials, we worked for years to turn that land into more classrooms and play areas.

Alongside this, I worked on a Maharashtra government project called Teacher as a Transformer. I traveled across many districts to see how schools were improving teaching methods and helping children learn better. This experience gave me new ideas. I wanted Kasarwadi's school to benefit from the best practices I saw elsewhere.

Sarthika's growth has been my greatest joy. Over the years, she became confident in speaking English and charged ahead in her studies. I remember a day when we were at a public garden. A group of foreign tourists was there, and Sarthika went over to them and spoke English easily and happily. I struggled with English because my thoughts are in Marathi and I have to translate. Watching her speak so freely made me very proud.

At school, Sarthika became a leader. She was elected head of the Student Council. She went from class to class, convincing children to support her with kindness and clear communication. She is empathetic and always ready to share her things with classmates who need help. She notices when friends struggle and tries to support them. These are qualities I believe will make her a strong leader.

At home, she is creative too. She loves art and has painted our walls. She studies science and mathematics because she wants to become a teacher one day. My wife and I always include her in big family decisions. For example, when choosing a college or buying a house, we listen to her thoughts and respect her opinion. This helps her prepare for the future and feel valued.

Reflecting on my own life as the first person in my family to attend school, it feels like a miracle to see my daughter make her own decisions and plan her future. This brings me peace and hope. I know many families still face hardships, and some children leave school early because of early marriages or financial pressure. But with Akanksha's support and the alumni team, more children now continue their education and reach for their dreams.

I want to thank everyone who supports Akanksha. Please continue your good work because every child is important. Each one deserves the chance to learn, grow, and become what they dream. For me, this is more than education. It is a journey of transforming lives, families, and communities one step at a time.