Shamsher Yunus Shaikh is a thoughtful and reflective 7th grade student at Rajya Jilla Parishad School, Bhingari, in Panvel, Maharashtra. Though he sits quietly in his classroom, his mind is buzzing with ideas for the betterment of society. His ambition is clear. “I want to create an NGO for children on the streets.” Shamsher’s determination comes from his own life experiences.  “Every time I visit Mumbai with my family, I witness children of my age living on the streets—barefoot, without food or proper shelter,” he says. "I want to help them," Shamsher adds earnestly. After a brief pause, he continues, "They need food, a safe place to live, and a school to go to, just like me."

This vision isn't just a fleeting dream for Shamsher—it's his driving force. He wants to give those children a chance to build a better life, not just survive for a day. “I want to work for an organisation like Akshaya Patra Foundation and learn the ropes of running an NGO before starting my own. My goal is not only to feed street children but also to ensure they receive proper education and have a place to call home," Shamsher explains.

Shamsher’s father, Yunus, is an auto-rickshaw driver, who works for long hours to support their family. His mother, Sakina, takes care of their home. Shamsher’s older sister is in the 10th grade, while his younger brother, a 5th grader in the same school, is currently away due to health reasons. “I miss my brother a lot. He stays in our hometown with my grandparents due to health issues. But he’ll be back soon after recovering," Shamsher says with a hopeful smile.

Despite the challenges his family faces, Shamsher remains steadfast in his studies. His favourite subject is math, and his academic achievements are a testament to his dedication. He is one of the top performers in his class. “I scored 39 marks out of 40 in the last semester,” he says proudly.  Apart from academics, Shamsher ensures that he has a hobby which he often practices after school. “I love photography. After school, I take my mother’s phone and go outside to click photos.” His commitment to both his studies and his passion is truly inspiring.

Shamsher is one of the beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme. It ensures that school children receive hot, tasty and nutritious meals every day. "I like the food served in school. It is delicious. I like Sheera and Khichdi the most,” he says. “Sometimes, I take the food home for my parents to taste. They also like the food,” Shamsher adds with a smile. 

Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme is an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in government schools across India. These efforts are part of a larger global effort to address critical issues such as hunger and education. Akshaya Patra’s initiative is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2, which aims to end hunger, and SDG-4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all. By providing wholesome meals, Akshaya Patra ensures that 2.2 million children like Shamsher can stay in school and focus on their studies, paving the way for a better future.