In a quiet neighbourhood near Station Bazaar in Bhubaneswar, 11-year-old Ravi Teja wakes up each day with a determination that belies his tender age. A Class 6 student at the Government Upper Primary School, Ravi has a spark in his eyes and dreams in his heart. Among his peers, he stands out not only for his academic brilliance but also for his unwavering dedication to supporting his family in the wake of personal tragedy.

Ravi’s life changed forever when he lost his father, Suresh Chandrashekhar, to a viral fever in early childhood. The memory is a blur for Ravi, but his father's absence has left an indelible mark on his life. His mother, C. Pushpa, now works tirelessly as a housemaid, splitting her day between two shifts: early morning until noon and then again in the evening. Her sacrifices are the backbone of their household and Ravi is acutely aware of the burden she carries.

Despite the challenges, Ravi’s family is small but deeply bonded. His mother’s relentless hard work inspires him to strive for excellence in everything he does. Whenever possible, Ravi takes on responsibilities at home. “I often bring groceries and have even learned how to make Maggi. It helps ease my mother’s workload a bit,” he says with a shy smile. It’s not much, but it helps when Amma is tired.”

Academically, Ravi is a star student, especially in mathematics. His love for numbers has earned him accolades, including a perfect score of 100/100 in his previous year’s maths exams. This ideal score has planted a tiny seed of a dream in his heart. “I aim to become a mathematics teacher. This goal is also inspired by one of my school teachers. She always says that I have a knack for numbers,” Ravi says proudly. “I want to teach others and make maths fun for them too.”

Ravi’s school life is vibrant and filled with achievements. He recently came first in a school race, an accomplishment that brought a smile on his mother’s face. “When I told her about the race, she looked so happy. It made me feel proud,” Ravi says. He also finds joy in dancing, often mimicking his favourite actor, Allu Arjun, in front of the mirror or while helping with household chores.

A typical day in Ravi’s life is a delicate balance of school, studies and helping at home. He wakes up early to get ready for school, where he immerses himself in lessons, particularly enjoying his maths classes. After school, he attends tuition classes from 5 pm to 8 pm to strengthen his understanding of various subjects. Despite his busy schedule, Ravi makes time to support his mother, whether by running errands or managing household tasks.

One of the highlights of Ravi’s school day is the mid-day meal provided by Akshaya Patra as an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan. The hot, nutritious food is not just a source of sustenance but also a symbol of care and support in his life. “The food is really good,” Ravi says with a smile. “My favourite is paneer with rice.” For a boy who has faced so many hardships, these meals offer both physical nourishment and a sense of belonging. His mother, too, is grateful for the initiative, which ensures that Ravi gets at least one wholesome meal each day. 

Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2 and SDG-4), which aim to eradicate hunger and facilitate quality education. These meals have been a cornerstone of Ravi’s growth and education. The programme is not just about eradicating hunger; it’s about enabling 2.25 million children like Ravi across India to dream, learn, and achieve.

Ravi’s story is a powerful story of resilience of the human spirit. Despite the odds stacked against him, he remains hopeful and determined, embodying the belief that with hard work, support and a little kindness, dreams can indeed come true. In the vibrant streets of Bhubaneswar, Ravi Teja is not just a boy with a dream; he is a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow.