Still I Rise - Conquering the Skies through Higher Education

A Chartered Accountant from Delhi, an Amazon employee from Hyderabad, an Air Asia Cabin Crew from Jaipur, and a Nurse from Kolkata- What do they have in common?

They are examples of how higher education can transform lives. Each person has an inspiring story of overcoming barriers and achieving their dreams through the power of education. They were not born with a financial luxury, but that did not restrain them from soaring high in their careers and uplifting the other students from similar backgrounds.  

“A dream does not become a reality through magic; it takes determination and hard work.”

These thought-provoking words from Komal are a testament to her journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant. She lost her father in 2012 after which her brother stepped up for the family and started working as an auto driver. Her mother and brother pushed her to study and join a CA course.

While her goal was set in front of her, the means came through Udayan Shalini Fellowship (USF). She faced many challenges along the way but she knew that hard work definitely pays off. Today she is earning a handsome salary owing to her courage and determination to continue her studies.


When a shy girl transformed into an effective leader

Belonging to a middle-class family and losing her father at the tender age of 10, the odds seemed to be against Shivani. However, she continued her education with support from USF. In 2021 she completed her graduation and is now working at Amazon as a Tron Associate, earning a respectable salary.

Shivani’s induction into higher education not only helped her intellectually, but she also emerged as a confident and effective leader. She took part in the selection process for USF for two years and champions the cause of giving back to society.

A girl’s journey towards financial independence

Nisha’s father, a small business owner, ensured her basic education even if he could hardly manage the family expenses. Nisha was a good student from the beginning and her dream was to become financially independent and contribute to the family expenses as well.

She completed her graduation in 2018 with support from USF. While studying she was also exposed to various areas of life which aided in her personality development. She did a diploma in Aviation from Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, Jaipur and now works as Cabin Crew in Air Asia.

From battling poverty to working as a Covid-19 fighter

Daughter of a stationary books supplier, Sweta belongs to an underprivileged family of three. Battling poverty Sweta pursued her dreams from a very tender age. She became a Shalini in 2013 and armed with the scholarship and mentorship, she emerged stronger and chased her dreams more fiercely. She completed her training in nursing and in 2019 was hired as a Staff Nurse at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

She has been carrying out her responsibilities diligently and has worked hard as a Covid-19 fighter during the pandemic. Her selfless service towards humanity has been honoured by prestigious organizations like The Trained Nurses Association of India and the Rotary Club of Sun City, Kolkata.


Higher Education for All

The stories of these exceptional women depict how higher education with the right support system can transform lives. Education is a fundamental right of every individual but it is not accessible to everyone equally. While many government schemes enable underprivileged kids to acquire basic education, transition to higher education is not an option for many. The cost of education has become a barrier for low-income families and a privilege for high-income families. But, we have to realize that right to education does not stop at the school gate.

The 2013 Nielson Global Survey of Consumer Demand showed that monthly expense on education was more than the global average i.e. 8% in several developing countries. As college graduates earn more than high school graduates, the value of college degrees is rising and the cost of education is also increasing making it difficult for deserving students from low-income families to continue their studies.

That is where Udayan Shalini Fellowship (USF) is relevant as it provides the necessary support to the exceptional girls from underprivileged backgrounds. It is a unique programme initiated by Udayan Care to provide financial assistance, personality development, and employment opportunities to deserving and talented girls from weaker socio-economic backgrounds.

All the beneficiaries go on to become strong independent women with a resolve to help others and give back to society. Education is an amalgam of literacy with life skills and at USF girls learn to realize their social responsibility and develop a will and determination to be the contributing members of society.

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