Before we look ahead, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who stood by us last year. Together, we successfully raised INR 1 Lakh, which fully supported Varnika and Anayaa’s education for the 2025-26 academic year. That kindness kept these bright girls in school during one of their family's darkest times and proved that community support can change lives.

Now, as we enter the 2026-27 academic year. I am reaching out once more to ensure their journey doesn't stop here.

THE BACKGROUND:

Vikrant Thakur (37) and Monika Thakur (32) live in Chichoga village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, with their two daughters, Varnika (12) and Anayaa (9). Varnika is in Grade 7, and Anayaa, who requires special education due to Down Syndrome and autism, is in Grade 4 at the special learning centre in the same school. They are studying in a private higher secondary, English medium school called Daystar School, which follows the ICSE syllabus.

The family faces significant challenges. Vikrant, a talented street artist, sells his artwork near the Hidimba Temple, earning INR 10,000-12,000 per month. However, his income is unpredictable and vulnerable to local authorities evicting his stall. As Anayaa's primary caregiver, Monika has put her career on hold to provide the constant support and attention her daughter needs.

The aftermath of the fire that destroyed Vikrant's stall has left the family in a precarious financial state. Without a permanent shop and with his livelihood still in recovery, the burden of high school fees has become an impossible weight to carry alone.

Pic: School fee structure of Varnika and Anayaa for the academic year 2026-27.

The school fees for both children are INR 8,657 per month, plus additional annual charges for stationery, books, and uniforms.

The family cannot afford transportation, so the children walk 3 km to school daily. Anayaa's therapy sessions are also unaffordable, with each visit costing INR 500 plus therapy fees.

The family has no permanent home, living rent-free in Vikrant's aunt's house. In the past, the children's grandmother helped bridge the gap for school fees. However, she has now retired, and with her steady contribution gone, the family’s financial situation has reached a breaking point.

I aim to raise INR 1.1L to cover their school fees and essential supplies for the academic year 2026-27.

Varnika dreams of becoming a doctor, and Anayaa loves pretending to be a teacher. They have big dreams, but financial hardships are holding them back.

THE SOLUTION:

I have taken up this campaign to ensure that the progress we made last year isn't lost during this critical transition for the Thakur family.

By securing the girls' fees for the 2026-27 academic year, we are providing a vital safety net that allows Varnika to stay on the path toward her dream of becoming a doctor and ensures Anayaa continues to receive the specialised education her development requires.

This support is more than just financial relief; it provides the stability Vikrant and Monika need to navigate their current hardships and focus on the long-term recovery of their livelihood.

Your contribution, big or small, directly protects their education from further interruption and ensures that these two bright sisters can focus on their learning and their dreams for the future.

ABOUT ME:

I am Pankaj Banga, founder of the Second Innings Foundation, a passionate advocate for children's education and inclusion. I firmly believe that every child—regardless of their background, abilities, or financial situation—deserves a fair chance to learn, grow, and chase their dreams.

Through Second Innings Foundation, my mission is to support children and families facing hardships, ensuring that financial struggles do not hold them back from education, healthcare, and a dignified life.

This campaign is especially close to my heart. Vikrant and Monika are hardworking parents who want the best for their daughters, but they are struggling to afford school fees, books, uniforms, and therapy for Anayaa.

With your support, we can remove financial barriers and give these girls the opportunity to build a better future.

Join me in bringing light to their journey and ensuring they don’t have to drop out of school. Every child deserves a chance to learn and dream. Let’s make it happen together.

ABOUT SECOND INNINGS FOUNDATION:

Second Innings Foundation (SIF) is a vibrant not-for-profit organization run by dedicated individuals, aiming to provide a'second chance’ to underprivileged children regardless of their birth circumstances. SiF facilitates equal opportunity by providing education, imparting skills, and bringing forth work opportunities to the less privileged. With a vision of expanding its reach across provinces and countries, SiF aspires to help restore the basic necessities of food, shelter, and education to the needy and contribute to the well-being of all.

TAX BENEFITS:

Funding for this campaign is eligible for tax breaks as the NGO, Second Innings Foundation, is a registered trust, and you can avail of benefits under Section 80G of the IT Act. Foreign funding is NOT accepted.