Ravi Mehta, 17, the topper of his class throughout school, had to cut short his BTech ambition even after clearing his UPTech entrance exam due to the family financial constraints. His father, a laborer, barely made enough to support his family of five; education therefore had to take a backseat. Ravi took to vending on the streets to support his family. He sold mosquito nets which he bought for cheap from Delhi.

Ravi was attending a type writing class at Gram Niyojan Kendra, our partner NGO in Dasna where NIIT Foundation runs employability training with support from Coca Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. Ravi had not given up on his dream; he wanted to pursue a technical course at polytechnic institute but needed a job to finance it. Our job-oriented course fell within his financial means and would get him a job in a matter of four short months.

Attending his first class, he remained painfully shy and avoided social interactions. “I could not speak to people who were more educated than me and who could speak in English”, Ravi relates. After a month of classes, Ravi’s perception towards himself and his confidence began to change for better.

Two months into his course, disaster struck. His father, the sole provider of family, was injured and unable to work. Panic-stricken, Ravi wanted to drop out and start earning immediately. His trainers at the center advised him to finish the course first but understanding his situation, started sending him on interviews while he was still in mid-course. Though none of the interviews resulted in a job, they made Ravi realize the importance of his course in current job market. Ravi continued with vending to put food on the table and started studying whole-heartedly.

Two months after, Ravi was a different person. He became far more confident.  “I can face interviews and meet new people, despite them being more educated than me. I can even talk in a more professional manner”, says a changed, more assertive Ravi.  Now when Ravi talks to people, his posture is straight and he looks people in the eye while talking to them. He can even talk in English, a fact that makes him feel the most proud.

He is now employed with KFC. Even though his father fully recovered and is back to work, Ravi has decided that it’s time he worked and studied together, especially because he wants to ensure that his siblings complete their education and take up good courses in the future. His efforts in school also paid off and he has been awarded a scholarship to a polytechnic college in Shastri Nagar, Delhi. He envisions himself working at a managerial level in a few years.

At Dasna center, all those confused about what course they want to adopt seek his counsel which he patiently provides.  At the age of 17, quiet and unassuming, Ravi Mehta is already an inspiration.