Saurav Kumar (18) has always been passionate about academics, holding up hope that all will not be lost even when faced with economic and personal hardships. In his eighteen years of existence, he has known personal tragedy and extreme poverty. He lost his father when he was very young and was

largely brought up by his uneducated yet hardworking mother who earns upkeep by weaving. He hopes that his degree in economics will lead him to a career in the financial sector or academics ,indeed the only thing predictable so far has been the unpredictability! Saurav is from Chengapara , Sipajhar and is currently enrolled as a first year degree student majoring in Economics in Cotton College, Guwahati Support Saurav

Anindita (19), from Dakshinchuburi Sipajhar, still feels it is unbelievable that she has come thus far in her quest for higher education. She feels like she has always survived on the edges never knowing when the light might be snuffed out on her dreams. Indeed having lost her mother when she was very young, she had to take

on the added responsibility of running the household- academics often came a distant second when compared to all her chores around the house. Although infinitely thankful for her achievements so far, she still feels that the poverty that her family faces may eclipse her hopes for the future anytime. Anindita’s father is a daily wage laborer- a “hajira” who often can never have assurance that he shall be able to earn enough to feed his family that night. Support Anindita

Kushal Nath (20) from Basachuba, Dhekiapara, Sipajhar is the son of Sunanda Nath who feeds his family by hauling loads in his thela. Being a thelawala all his life without any alternate means of livelihood, Kushal has always had to fight poverty. Although a bright

student, surviving and staying on in academics often meant relying on the charity and generosity of people, of teachers, and other fellow students. He talks about the stress of never knowing when that charity may dry up and he is left with no option but to give up his and his family’s dreams for a better life. Support Kushal

Morjina Begum is at a crucial intersection academically. The tenth board exams loom large and will eventually decide where she and her mother will likely head in life. Studying currently in Class IX in Government Girls’ High School at Uzanbazar, she lost her father ten years ago and ever since then

hermother has taken on the mantle working long hours as a domestic help to support Morjina’s dreams of an education. Through all these years Morjina has managed to stay focused on her studies, not letting the hardships and personal tribulations get in the way.She is hopeful that she will be able to pursue her dreams of taking up nursing. Support Morjina