Hope and determination are the only things that can get us through the darkest times, and Naina, who once struggled to get a basic education, has now graduated from Delhi University and is working as a Process Associate Income Audit in Capgemini Technology Service India Ltd.Looking back on her struggles, Naina says, “Rasta” is more than a word to me; it was the first step in my studies that led to my success and who I am now.
Naina was born into a Hindu family; her mother is a housewife, and her father Mr. Ram Raj works in a restaurant. She is the younger of two siblings, and they were not much aware about the importance of education because they, too, did not have the opportunity of attending the school.
She says, “When I was 5 years old, I used to see some children like me sitting under the tree and studying. Rasta teachers in the area noticed me and came to my house and talked to my parents to enroll in the centre. They motivated my mother for my education and I got enrolled in the Learning Centre.
After attending NFE for 1 year, she was mainstreamed into a government school, and there was no turning back. Naina says, “Rasta never left my hand, after school I attended the remedial classes as well and Vineeta ma’am counseled me in every step of my life. Today, Naina has graduated from Ramjas College and has won many awards during her school and college days. She has also passed the NET exam andpreparing for PhD and for civil services. She aspires to work for children like her and help them succeed in life. I consider myself fortunate to be a member of Rasta family and will remain so in the future.