Sudarshan's Journey: From a Struggling Student to an Aspiring Teacher

In a small village in Rajasthan, Sudarshan is a familiar and trusted presence. Children turn to him for help with their studies, parents rely on him, and teachers see in him a quiet commitment to learning. Not long ago, he was the child who needed that support himself.

In 2016, Sudarshan was in Grade 5 and struggling. Reading felt difficult, mathematics felt frightening, and although he attended school every day, little seemed to stick. His confidence was low and learning felt out of reach.

That changed when his school became part of Pratham’s Learning Camp. Through this intensive, activity-based programme in language and maths, Sudarshan began to understand concepts at his own pace. More importantly, he discovered something new: the habit of learning independently.

“With Pratham’s support, I developed the habit of self-learning,” he says. “That changed everything for me.”

As the years went on, Sudarshan continued to grow through Pratham’s Children’s Club, where learning came alive through group work, discussion and hands-on activities. By Grade 9, he had come full circle, joining Pratham as a volunteer.

“I had received so much help,” he says. “I wanted to give back.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close, Sudarshan didn’t stop learning or teaching. He set up a blackboard in his neighbourhood and began teaching children from nearby homes, alongside preparing for his own exams. His hard work paid off. He scored 92.17% in Grade 10, then went on to top the Kota division in Grade 12 with an exceptional 98.20%, securing sixth rank across Rajasthan.

Today, Sudarshan is training to become a teacher, pursuing his Basic School Teaching Certificate (BSTC). As part of his internship, he has returned to the very school where his journey began. This time, he stands at the front of the classroom.

“As I train to be a teacher, I want to help others experience the same joy of learning that I found with Pratham’s support,” he says.

From sitting quietly at the back of the class to teaching with confidence, Sudarshan’s story is a powerful reminder of what timely support, opportunity and self-belief can achieve.

Your support can help turn struggling students into confident learners and future teachers. Donate now and be part of that journey.