“My father worked as a driver until he suffered a major paralysis attack due to hypertension. He can no longer work and stays home. My grandfather had a similar fate ages ago. Our financial situation was so bad that my family wanted to leave our current home in the city and move back to the village which would have meant an end to my academic dreams,” Om shares about his situation adding how blessings and efforts of well-wishers ensured he continues to complete his matriculation studies. 

“Collective efforts of others have the power to make small but impactful differences in others’ lives. My teachers at school counselled and supported my parents, and convinced them to allow me to complete my 10th board at least. My maternal uncle took on the economic assistance and told me to focus only on my studies and not worry about supporting the family.”

An admirer of geography as a subject, Om is always curious to know what lies beyond his land. What may be the colour of the soil there, what fruits or vegetables does the earth produce, how do the people live and talk outside of his own place of living, which animals live and sustain in those climates? “I was introduced to digital learning in grade 9. That’s when I realised that so many concepts from grade 8 were still unclear in my mind. And how through visual learning, I was able to move ahead in my studies and strengthen my understanding of certain topics in science and geography.”

He continues with gleaming eyes, “All this may have been written in our books, but through eLearning videos, I got a first-hand visual experience about their existence. I was so amazed by watching Goa's terrain, soil and beaches.”

Young Om whose school is covered by ILF’s Empowering Education program dreams of being successful in life; not just financially but capable of being of use and help to others. 

“I want to be in a position where I can help others in society.  Make a contribution to their lives. Our principal has taught us that our situations in life should never come in the way of our learning and living, and this statement has always motivated me to keep moving forward,” he concludes with a promising tone.