Nestled between swirling dust and roaring trucks carrying construction materials is Smart Model School in Paharpur, Lucknow. Adopted by an MLA, the government school boasts a plethora of facilities for recreation, smart labs for diverse subjects such as computers and science and walls adorned with vibrant graphics.

Adoption of a primary school is mainstream in Uttar Pradesh to ensure Right to Education Law. The practice began with a new policy brought out by the State Government in 2019. Schools find caring benefactors in the form of elected representatives like MLAs or MPs who invest in school infrastructure to provide children a rewarding and conducive environment. 

What stands out inside Smart Model School in Lucknow is a small but enchanting playground with brightly-coloured and intriguing structures for children to play and learn. The gigantic equipment looks impressive enough to invite even adults for a good time! 

Additionally, despite the constant drizzle in the area, the premises look spick-and-span. The laughter of happy children rings all over as they head back to their classes after the mid-day meal break. 

One among them is Nishanth Pandey, a bright-eyed 13-year-old boy from Paharpur with a dream that explains his composed conduct. He aspires to become a doctor, not just any doctor, but one who would serve his country by treating financially challenged people. He is well aware of the exorbitant fees doctors charge in cities and it saddens him to see people suffering due to the lack of affordable healthcare. So, he envisions a future where he can treat and perform surgeries for people at a reasonable price, bringing quality healthcare within the reach of those who cannot afford it. He hopes to set up a clinic where he can serve his community with compassion and skill. It is a well-thought aspiration for a boy his age, but Nishanth is no ordinary child.

He beams with enthusiasm for learning. His favourite subject is science, biology in particular. In the heavily-equipped science lab next to his class, he is assigned one of the models to demonstrate to his classmates, teachers and visitors. But with an infectious zeal, he explains all of them in great detail. He stands out among others in the lab, describing complicated scientific concepts with such unmatched clarity and simplicity that even a 5-year-old would grasp them!

The interests of this 8th-standard youngster do not end with science alone. He has a profound love for Hindi, general awareness and the social sciences, recognising the importance of a well-rounded education and a broad understanding of the world around him. His interests showcase his deep thirst for information, not just for acing exams but also for being a responsible and informed citizen.

But it is not just his knowledge that sets Nishanth apart. He carries himself with a maturity far beyond his years. Neatly dressed in his school uniform, he speaks with wisdom, repose and empathy, making him a role model for his peers. It is no surprise that he was chosen as the head boy of his class!

Nishanth settled on his dream to become a doctor after much conscious deliberation. “Earlier, I did not have a specific dream. Sometimes, I hoped to become a soldier and sometimes a policeman. Eventually, I realised I needed to zero down on one and direct all my energy towards it. My teacher recommended biology, I liked the subject, and hence, it helped me define my goals,” he says.

Nishanth lives in a humble joint family in the small village of Paharpur, where everyone is involved in regular day jobs. His father, Umakanth Pandey, works as a security guard; his mother, Gudiya Pandey, is a dedicated housewife; his younger sister studies in 2nd standard in the same school and his uncle runs a small grinder for grains. 

The young aspiring doctor not only excels in his studies but also participates in various extracurricular activities. “When I am not studying, I like to play and draw. I play Kabaddi at home and school with my siblings, friends and neighbours. I also participate in Kabaddi events at school and we have won twice. I have an active team here with my friends. But among the two activities, I like drawing the most. I mostly sketch nature,” he says. “My school conducted a drawing competition on 15 August this year. My entire class participated and illustrated concepts related to Independence Day. I sketched the Indian flag that fetched me the first position in the competition,” he adds.

Nishanth gets roti sabzi, dal rice, kheer tehri and sambar rice as mid-day meals in his school but he loves sambar rice the most. These meals provide him the nutrition he needs to focus on his studies and non-academic interests. “Healthy and hygienic food gives us energy without which we may fall sick because of several deficiencies. The Akshaya Patra meals we receive in school keep me on my toes throughout the day. My mother is also happy about it,” he says. 

When asked about the specialisation he wishes to take up as a doctor, Nishanth says, “I hope to become a cardiologist because they charge the most and I want to make it cheaper for the underprivileged. The poor struggle to eat even one square meal a day. They do not have the money to get themselves treated at such high costs.”

Nishanth's story of determination and hope inspires those around him. His teachers see him as a future leader in the field of medicine and his classmates admire his unwavering commitment to his dreams. He is close to becoming a role model and a testimony of what one can achieve with focus, passion, hard work and a heart filled with kindness.