Sathiyasri is an 8th-grade student at C.R.N, GMS Lawspet, Pondicherry. Unlike most children who dream of conventional careers, she has a unique ambition—to become a criminal lawyer. Her inspiration came from a movie about a criminal lawyer. “The way he used logic and tactics to solve cases fascinated me,” she says. “I want to fight for justice and stand up for what’s right.”

Her family fully supports her dreams. Speaking of her family, Sathiyasri says, “I live with my parents near the school.” This makes it easy for her to balance academics and home life. She continues “My father, Sivagnaman, works as a cab driver, and my mother, Manimagalai, is a homemaker.” Though neither of her parent are not from a legal background, they encourage her to study hard and achieve her goal. They want her to be educated and independent.

Sathiyasri enjoys her time at school, especially when she gets to participate in debates and discussions. School lunches are another highlight of her day. Thanks to Akshaya Patra, she gets nutritious and delicious meals that keep her energised for her studies. “My favourite is tamarind rice,” she says with a smile. “It’s the best item in the menu. I wait for it every week!”

Like Sathiyasri, 2.25 million children across India benefit from Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme. These meals are not just about nutrition; they help students focus on their education and chase their dreams. Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme is an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in government and government-aided schools. These efforts align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2 and SDG-4: Eradicating Hunger and Facilitating Quality Education), ensuring a brighter future for the country’s children.

With unwavering determination, Sathiyasri is on the path to making her dream a reality. She knows that the journey to becoming a lawyer will require years of hard work, but she is ready to take on the challenge. One day, she hopes to stand in court, defending the innocent and upholding justice.