In the heart of Vadodara, Gujarat, lives Srushti Mali Suresh Bhai, a 7th grade student of Bhaiyali Kanya Primary School. A passionate dancer and dreamer, Srushti has set her sights on becoming a famous dancer, just like her role model, Hrithik Roshan. Despite financial constraints and the challenges, she faces, Srushti’s love for dance keeps her going. She refuses to let anything stand in the way of her dreams. 

Srushti’s family is a close-knit unit that includes her mother and two siblings. Talking more about her family, Srushti says, “My father passed away when I was just a child. My mother, Dakshaben, works as a housemaid in nearby homes. She works so hard to take care of us. I have an elder sister and a younger brother. My sister also works as a housemaid in a bungalow near our house. And my younger brother is in the 3rd grade.” Together, they form a resilient family that faces every challenge head-on. “I want to make my mother proud by becoming a renowned dancer.” 

Srushti’s love for dance began at a young age. Watching Hrithik Roshan dance in movies inspired her to pursue dancing seriously.” Srushti says, “I’ve always admired Hrithik Roshan’s dance moves. I want to be like him, a famous dancer who everyone loves.” However, due to financial constraints, Srushti cannot afford formal dance training. But this hasn’t stopped her.  Srushti says, “I can’t afford dance classes. So, on Sundays, I accompany my mother to the bungalow where she works. There, I watch the owner’s daughter practice dance routines. She takes online dance classes, and I oversee her to learn the steps. After that, I practice the moves at home with Bollywood songs.” Srushti may not have access to professional dance classes, but her determination to improve keeps her going. She has a fierce desire to master dance and is constantly finding ways to practice, whether it’s through watching online videos or practising in her free time. 

Amidst the challenges that Srushti faces, Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meals have become an essential part of her daily routine. “The food from Akshaya Patra is really tasty,” Srushti says with a smile. “I enjoy khichdi and dal-dhokli served to us. But Khichdi is my favourite,” she says. Akshaya Patra’s meals provide 2.25 million children like Srushti with the nourishment they need to excel in school and life. The meals ensure that they are physically healthy and able to pursue their dreams with energy and required focus. Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme is an effort to implement the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in government schools across India. These efforts are in synergy with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2: ending global hunger and SDG-4: facilitating quality education).

With the support of her family and the nourishment provided by Akshaya Patra’s meals, Srushti is well on her way to realizing her dream. She is determined to shine on the dance floor and inspire others to follow their passions, just as she has done.