Testimonials
Heena
Mumbai, Ekam Education Program
Heena, an aspiring air hostess and one of the brightest students in her class, faced unique challenges in her pursuit of education when she was in the grade nine in 2020. Despite cultural pressures that led her sisters to drop out of school, Heena was determined to break the pattern. The onset of the lockdown in March 2020 brought a new set of challenges when Heena's father had a debilitating accident, leaving him bedridden for several months. Faced with the financial strain on her family, Heena contemplated quitting school. However, her school's management connected her with Ekam Foundation Mumbai. With Ekam’s support, Heena continued her studies, adapting to online classes during the pandemic. Remarkably, she not only focuses on her education but also harbors a desire to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene among her peers. In a time when many of her classmates had to return to their hometowns without means to cover expenses, Heena considers herself fortunate to continue her education safely. The Ekam Education Program played a pivotal role in ensuring that Heena’s dreams remain undeterred despite the challenges she faced in 2020, and continues to support her education for the 4th consecutive year as of 2023.
Kailash S.
Puducherry, Ekam Education Program
Kailash was an 8th-grade student at Stansford International School, Puducherry, when he connected with Ekam. He had excelled with a 92% score in the 7th grade. He continues to be one of the brightest students in his class with keen interest in Mathematics and English subjects. Kailash faced adversity when his father passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis and Covid Pneumonia in April 2021. Kailash's mother, coping with her own health issues, relied on a monthly widow's pension of Rs. 2,000. Financial constraints led the family to live with Kailash's grandparents and maternal uncle, the latter being a fresher at Muthu Finance and pursuing further studies. Kailash's grandfather contributed as a driver. Despite these challenges, Kailash, the sole child, aspires to join the Indian Army, demonstrating resilience amid adversity. The family's situation prompted Ekam Foundation Mumbai to step in and support Kailash's education.
Venukanti Nandini
Telangana, Ekam Education Program
Nandini was studying in Second year BBA in Chaitanya Deemed to be University, Warangal, Telangana. She was living with her mother and older sister studying M.Sc. (Chemistry). Her father passed away in 2014 due to a heart attack. Nandini’s mother lost her job due to the pandemic and suffered from health issues such as cholesterol, migraine and back pain. The mother resorted to taking a loan from someone and even went to the extent of selling her gold to meet their daily necessities. Despite the challenges, Nandini dreams to be an Army officer. She has earned a ‘C’ certificate as an NCC (National Cadet Corps) Cadet. Her biggest achievement in NCC is receiving BEST CADET AWARD in the two years of journey. Ekam Foundation Mumbai supports her endeavours and hopes to see her achieve her dream.
M Subbriya
Sivaganga, Ekam Education Program
M Subbriya, a B.Com. Professional Accounting (PA) student was in her 3rd year at Sankara College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore, residing in the small village of Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, she lost her father in 2005 due to a tragic incident on her birthday when he slipped into a well. Her mother, an Anganwadi worker, earned Rs. 6,000 per month, which proved insufficient to support M Subbriya's education. Complicating matters, her mother, a heart patient, faced additional challenges when she contracted Covid in May 2021, requiring multiple (7+) surgeries. Subbriya's elder sister was married, and her brother earning a modest salary of Rs. 5000 at James & Co., was burdened with repaying the loan for their sister's wedding. Amid these difficulties, Ekam Foundation Mumbai stepped in to alleviate the financial strain on Subbriya's family through the Ekam Education Program. This support enabled her to continue her studies. Despite the hardships, Subbriya aspires to pursue the US Certified Management Course and the US Certified Public Accountant course.
Chadana M
Bangalore, Ekam Education Program
Chandana, a 9th-grade student at St. Francis De Sales Public School, Bangalore, excelled with a 92% score in 8th grade. Her father was illiterate, while her mother completed education till the 4th grade. Hailing from a modest background, her father earned about Rs. 10,000 monthly as a daily wage worker, while her mother worked as a housemaid earning a similar amount. Chandana had an elder sister studying in the 11th grade (Science). Despite the financial constraints and lower caste status, Chandana aspired to become a Dermatologist, driven by a desire to address skin-related diseases with affordable solutions. Additionally, she dreamt of becoming a Lecturer to simplify learning for students, fostering independence and self-driven education. Ekam Education Program plays a crucial role in supporting Chandana's aspirations, enabling her to pursue her dreams, and continues to fund for her school fees every year.
Dharunica P
Puducherry, Ekam Education Program
Dharunica, a 10th-grade student at Stansford International Hr. Sec. School in Puducherry, demonstrated academic excellence with scores of 88% in 9th grade and 90.20% in 8th grade. Unfortunately, her life took a challenging turn when her father, a car driver, passed away in a car accident in May 2019. In the aftermath, her mother took up a job as a salesgirl in a supermarket to support the family, earning Rs. 7,000. However, the family faced additional hardship when Dharunica's mother battled cancer and, after six months of treatment at JIPMER Hospital, passed away in September 2022. Dharunica and her younger brother moved in with her father's younger brother, an electrician earning Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 monthly. His children also attended the same school. Despite his efforts, he struggled to meet all their needs and cover educational expenses. The Ekam Education Program plays a crucial role in alleviating this burden, ensuring Dharunica's education is supported during these challenging times.
Amudha V
Bangalore, Ekam Education Program
Amudha, a student in 11th (Commerce) at St. Charles Women's PU College, Bangalore, was hardworking and her dedication helped her score 92% in her 10th grade. Amudha had a younger sister and her mother worked as a house help, making about Rs. 10,000 monthly. Her father was a cab driver and suffered from alcoholism. Whatever money he earned was spent on fuelling his addiction. He believed that spending on girls’ education is an unnecessary expense, and did not help with her college fees. Amudha understands the financial condition of her family, and she looks up to her mother as an inspiration. Amudha aspires to be a Chartered Accountant. Thanks to Ekam Education Program, she is able to pursue her further studies