Kavita joined Asha Deep in 2008 when she was in 5th grade. Since she joined later than her classmates, she was behind in some subjects, especially English. She was still our weakest student by the time she passed 8th grade. However, her diligence in studies commended her for further and full support. In high school, she continued to work hard. Within a couple years, she had caught up and even surpassed some of her Asha Deep classmates. The sad part was that Kavita had absolutely no support from her family for study. One day when she was in 11th class she said to me, “Ma’am, my parents don’t care whether I study or not. I have to push myself. I wish they would shout at me and tell me to do my homework! Or even ask how I’m doing in school. But they never do. They don’t have any idea how well I’m doing.” Kavita has pushed herself all the way through 12th class and a bachelor’s degree in commerce. She found out about and took an exam to get a job in a bank. She passed that and did well in the following interview. She is now working in a bank in another city. She has become an independent woman.

Deepa joined Asha Deep in 2004; she’s in some of our earliest photos! A very steady student, she’s the kind of girl we created our school for. Her childhood was spent in a cramped home with 9 brothers and sisters. Her family didn’t have running water in their home, and they didn’t have money for extras like education. Without Asha Deep, Deepa would likely have been pulled out of school early and been married with children by now. As it is, she studied well and is now in her final year of her master’s degree in commerce. She is planning to get a bank job, one of the most lucrative positions in our city. The difference between her life and the life her mother led will be immense.

Sandeep joined Asha Deep in 2011 when he was in 3rd grade. He was a bright boy, but, since his father was sickly and could not earn money, his family had no money to pay for his education. His poverty drove Sandeep to aim high. By 8th grade, he had decided to become an engineer. This is a lofty goal, and, though many children say they would like to become an engineer, few have the discipline to do so. Sandeep, however, kept his focus and studied hard. In 2020, he passed Class 12, in the Chemistry/Math stream, with 93% marks, a tremendous achievement. For a year he prepared for and passed the IIT JEE exam to qualify for study in an engineering college. Now he is studying at Indraprast Engineering College in Ghaziabad near Delhi. With his track record, we expect that Sandeep will achieve his goal!