Radhika Bhambi walks briskly to school every morning, her bag slung over her shoulder, her mind already racing through the day’s lessons. At twelve years old, she is in Class 5 at Rajkiya Ucch Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Gadwada, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Unlike many children her age who dream of cities, grand careers, and bustling lives elsewhere, Radhika’s heart remains firmly rooted in her village. She wants to be a doctor; not for the prestige, but for her people.

“In our village, there is no proper hospital. There is just one small clinic with a nurse. For anything serious, people have to travel at least 15 km to Chittorgarh,” she says.  She has seen this struggle first-hand. Many times, her neighbours and even family members have had to arrange transportation at odd hours, hoping to give medical aid in time. “I’ll give free check-ups to anyone who needs it,” she says in a determined tone.

Her passion for medicine began when she was very young. She had seen many people in her village suffer due to a lack of medical facilities. Minor injuries turned into serious infections, simple fevers escalated into emergencies and expecting mothers had to endure long, unsafe journeys to deliver their babies in hospitals far from home. She decided that one day, she would change this. She would build a hospital right in her village, so no one would have to wait for help. “My hospital will have everything—doctors, medicines and machines. People won’t have to go far for treatment anymore,” she says, eyes shining. 

Radhika lives in a joint family with her parents, grandparents, uncle, aunt, and maternal cousin. Her younger brother, who is in Class 3, looks up to her. Every evening, he follows her around, asking questions about her studies and her dream of becoming a doctor. Speaking about her parents, she says, “My father, Babloo, works at a local street food stall. He prepares snacks for people all day from 10 am to 6 pm.” She knows it’s tiring work, but she never saw her father complain. Continuing, she says, “My mother, Ratni, manages the household and also works on their small farmland from noon until evening.” The whole family’s combined income is enough to keep the family afloat but leaves little room for savings.

Radhika doesn’t let these issues move her away from her aspirations. In fact, they motivate her to strive hard and achieve her goals. For now, though, Radhika’s focus is on her studies. Science fascinates her and she is always eager to learn more about the human body and how medicine works. She studies diligently, often late into the night, under the dim glow of a lantern. She says. “If I study well, I can make my dream come true.”

One of the things that helps her focus in school is the mid-day meal provided by Akshaya Patra as an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan. “I love khichdi,” she says. “It keeps me full and gives me energy to study and play.” Her mother, who worries about providing nutritious meals for her children, knows that Radhika is eating healthy food at school, and that makes a big difference. The meal is more than just food; it is a lifeline for many children in Radhika’s village. It ensures that the children do not have to sit through classes with empty stomachs, struggling to concentrate. 

Akshaya Patra’s efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 and SDG 4), aiming to eradicate hunger and ensure quality education for all. The meals ensure that 2.5 million children like Radhika studying in government and government-aided schools stay physically and mentally fit. The hot and nutritious meals keep them focused and energetic, helping them work hard to achieve their dreams.