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My name is Asha Dikshit, and I live near many slum areas where families go through very hard times. In one small room, six people live together. They cook, eat, sleep, and do everything in that same space. During hot summers, there is barely any cool air.
Many men in these homes drink too much and often get angry. Sadly, they hurt their wives and sometimes even their children. What hurt me the most was seeing little children trying to take care of their parents, instead of going to school or playing like other kids.
In 2012, something very painful happened in my life. I lost my younger sister, Shalini, in a sudden accident. She was my best friend and my biggest support. After she passed away, I felt empty and broken. But then I saw children around me who were also hurting—living in pain, poverty, and without love. That’s when I decided to do something for them, in memory of my sister.
I started an NGO called Shalini Memorial Sewa Sansthan. At first, I only taught two children in a borrowed room. Today, we help children in around 60 slum areas. Most of these children had never been to school. Many girls had stopped studying to take care of their younger brothers or sisters. Our team works hard to teach them, help them catch up in school, and bring joy back into their lives.
We don’t just teach. We also give every child breakfast and lunch, so they don’t have to study on an empty stomach. We do fun and creative activities like drawing, storytelling, and games. It’s a safe and happy space for them. But running everything is very hard. We don’t have big sponsors or support. Each meal costs ₹100, and it takes about ₹3,000 each month to support one child’s education, food, and care.
Sometimes the problems feel too big. But when I feel tired or hopeless, I remember my sister. She gives me the strength to keep going. I truly believe that with your support, we can help even more children. We can give them a safe space to learn, grow, and dream of a better life. Please help us build a brighter future for them.
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