Giving Back to Society
This is the third blog in the series. Find the first two blogs here, and here. For years, India’s reputation for generosity was lukewarm. Though the country has a rich tradition of charitable practices, philanthropy here often felt more performative than purposeful, with charitable acts sometimes seeming transactional rather than deeply felt. This was reflected […]
A Decade of Impact: The Work of Rukmani Trust Since 2014
Since its inception in 2014, Rukmani Trust has been driven by a simple but powerful belief: education, when made accessible and relevant, can transform lives and communities. What began as a modest effort to support children from underserved backgrounds has, over the last decade, evolved into a sustained movement impacting thousands of lives across rural […]
Understanding Student Challenges: A Data-Informed Lens
My First Steps I began my career as a summer intern at Book My Career, a career counseling firm committed to empowering individuals through personalized guidance. This experience provided me with hands-on exposure to conducting assessments, understanding client aspirations, and delivering meaningful career advice. It laid a solid foundation in counseling techniques and industry practices, […]
Empowering Girls: Bridging the Gap through Education and Employment
I was deeply moved by the determination of a 16-year-old girl, Trisha (name changed), who, at such a young age, had already grasped the harsh realities of life. During our counseling sessions, Trisha expressed a clear and resolute goal—she needed to start earning as soon as possible to fund her own education. Despite having a […]
A Memorable Career Guidance Session: Inspiring Young Minds at Vidya School, Gurgaon
Before my cursor even blinked onto the screen, I felt a palpable thrill—like stepping onto a launching pad for future dreams. Every career guidance session brings its unique sense of fulfillment, but my recent encounter with the students of Vidya School, Gurgaon, was truly extraordinary. I had the opportunity to participate in this session as […]
Guiding Young Minds: An Inspiring Session with VIDYA-India Students
A recent online session with VIDYA School students in Gurugram was particularly inspiring. The students demonstrated remarkable confidence, fluency in English, and awareness of career possibilities. What initially seemed like a standard counseling session quickly evolved into a journey of exploration and self-discovery. A Session to Remember While discussing career options, an unexpected yet thought-provoking […]
The Changing Job Market: When Privilege Becomes a Barrier
Overview This paper highlights the urgent need to identify and nurture talent from an early stage in India’s education system, particularly at the school level. Aligning student skills with industry demands is crucial to harnessing the potential of India’s youth, ensuring sustainable economic growth, and creating a future-ready workforce. It explores how this concept can […]
Empowering Futures: The Need for Career Guidance in India
India has a growing need for career guidance, with studies indicating that over 93% of students aged 14-18 are aware of fewer than ten career options, while there are more than 5000 career paths available today. Additionally, reports suggest that 85% of students feel they lack proper guidance in making career decisions, highlighting the importance […]
Women Rising: Pooja’s Empowerment Journey
Pooja, a final-year B.Com student at Valliammal College for Women in Chennai, embodies the resilience and determination that define true empowerment. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a confident and skilled young woman is a testament to the transformative power of education and support. Born into a modest household, Pooja’s father works as a […]
The journey that led me to Rukmani Trust
A quiet whisper echoes in the corners of my heart—a reminder of moments when I, too, felt lost and vulnerable. Today, I see those same fragile reflections in the eyes of countless children. If we dare to look closely, we all might. Their eyes mirror hardship but also extraordinary resilience. These stories kindle a slow-burning […]
Legacy of Love: Manoj’s Commitment to His Family
Manoj grew up in a humble, middle-class family whose sacrifices became the foundation of his values and aspirations. His father worked long hours as a tea master, earning daily wages, while his mother balanced her role as a homemaker with road-cleaning jobs to make ends meet. These struggles became a part of Manoj’s daily life, […]