Nestled in the busy township of Kamothe, Panvel, Raigad Zilla Parishad Shaala stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of students. With vibrant murals covering its walls, the school creates an environment of positivity and ambition, encouraging its students to dream big. Amidst this colourful backdrop, 12-year-old Anushka Sudhir Payer, a 7th-grade student, carries the weight of her family’s hopes while nurturing her own aspiration—to become an English teacher.

Anushka lives with her mother and older sister, while her father works as a farmer in their village. He only visits them twice a year, once during the Ganapati festival and in May. Her mother, Madhuri, works tirelessly in a garment shop, often pulling 12-hour shifts to support the family. Despite these challenges, Anushka is steadfast in her commitment to her studies. “My dream is to become an English teacher,” she says confidently. “In my father’s village, there are no English schools. I want to teach the people there so they, too, can have the opportunities that come with knowing the language.”

Her passion for learning is evident in her academic achievements. Anushka recently scored an impressive 45 out of 50 in her English examination, a feat she proudly attributes to her love for the subject. Her dedication doesn’t stop at her studies. In her free time, she helps her mother with household chores and even assisted a 10th-grade student as a writer during his board exams. “It was a new experience, but I felt proud to help someone in need,” she reflects.
Beyond her academic life, Anushka enjoys exploring her creative side. She loves experimenting with makeup, often practising on her dolls. However, even during her vacation at her mother’s native village, she couldn’t help but miss her friends and the daily routine of school. “I missed school, especially my friends and the food,” she says with a smile.

Speaking of food, Anushka is a big fan of the meals served at school. Her favourite dish is peas curry, and she looks forward to the nutritious lunches provided by Akshaya Patra every day. These meals, under the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, serve as her first proper meal of the day. “I don’t eat breakfast at home, so the school lunch is really important for me,” she explains.

Like many other students in her school, Anushka benefits from Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal programme, which plays a crucial role in keeping her and millions of other children nourished. For Anushka, these meals are more than just food; they are an essential part of her academic journey, ensuring she remains focused on her studies and her dreams. The programme not only fills the bellies of children like Anushka but also fuels their minds, enabling them to concentrate on learning. It ensures that students have the strength and energy to pursue their ambitions, making a meaningful difference in their lives and contributing to the development of communities across the country.