Readers, I’m writing for Samvada after several years of sabbatical to share an inspiring story of a remarkable man and his daughter. Anil Kumar is an ice-cream vendor whose cart can be seen across Supertech Emerald Court; the same infamous society which caught the attention of millions of people during the Twin Towers demolition in Aug 2022. Anil has been at this spot for almost a decade, and my kids have enjoyed many an ice-cream over the years from his cart. His infectious smile, optimism and shudh Hindi is his trademark. An informed citizen, he finds time to read the newspaper in between serving clients.
His daughter, Aditi Kumari, is a very bright young child in Grade 7. She studies at Vidya Kendra (DPS) in Sector 132. This is a school system with subsidized fees through an NGO. She also receives some coaching at Akash Byju’s in Sector 136 and regularly features on the institute’s poster as a class topper.
Unlike Anil’s very limited means, Aditi’s academic dreams have no bounds. She aspires to become a doctor or an IAS officer one day and make a real difference in the world. Anil often talks about her with pride, whenever I visit him, sharing her marks and insightful essays. She consistently scores 90%+ in her exams and tests.
Aditi keenly reads and enjoys dancing. She enjoys her Karate lessons and proudly wears her Senior Orange belt, which she earned in less than a year of being introduced to it.
Many must have seen the recent movie, 12th Fail (based on true events), in which the protagonist faces enormous challenges in breaking through the UPSC exams to become an IPS officer with the help of his support system and people who continued to help and encourage in his arduous journey.
One can easily imagine the challenges Anil must be facing to keep her in school and pay for all her educational needs with his modest income. I sincerely urge readers to support Aditi in whatever way, either by funds or donating school supplies, books, etc. to Anil, at the above-mentioned location.
Aditi and Anil Kumar are a real example of people who are making a spirited effort to change their destiny and break out from the economic forces that limit their growth. Both of them work hard each day to fulfill their dreams and need all of us to be the wind beneath their wings.
Please open up your hearts and join me in supporting the academic flight of young Aditi Kumari. She has authored an article on Environment (read further below, पर्यावरण का सन्तुलन). I hope to inspire her to become a regular writer for Samvada so that we can all learn from the insights of a young inspiring Indian. Jai Hind!
