A Story of Becoming

When you meet 13-year-old DIL student Daksh Lal, his infectious smile masks the fear and dread of not knowing whether his family will eat the next day. He's seen the hardship his father, a day laborer, faces trying to earn their daily bread, making but $70 a month for a family of six. Daksh Lal himself works weekends at a local shop making a meager $1.60 a month, all of which he hands to his father. He knows the only path to a secure, salaried position is a strong education. "I wanted to go to the best school in my neighborhood, but when I learned it was 20 km from my house, I asked the principal for help paying for transport. I was thrilled when DIL offered to pay for my fare! And I promised then I'd make her and DIL proud." Word has it that Daksh Lal hasn’t disappointed.