Dakshini Prayash’s community is expansive and diverse, allowing both younger and older people to contribute to its success. One person who exemplifies this is Kabir Ajitsaria who, at just 16 years of age, is the school’s youngest donor. Kabir, who is currently in Class 11, has been donating money to the school since Class 4. His parents initially raised the idea during his birthday party as they suggested that rather than receiving the same gifts every year, he should ask for donations from his friends to then put to good use for the underprivileged community in Dakshini Prayash. This evolved into an annual tradition of donating birthday money to the school. As time went on and Kabir got older, he began to greatly appreciate the extent of his impact on the community and consequently became more and more involved. 

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Kabir recalls that one year, they raised enough money to buy a TV for the school, evidence of how he has decided to use his position of privilege to purchase useful learning materials for the community. When asked why Kabir chose to donate to Dakshini Prayash, he replied that as Anubhuti Prakash, the school’s president, is his great aunt, it was much easier to direct the funds and immerse himself in the cause. Kabir also added that Dakshini Prayash’s mission is something that resonates strongly with him, which is a key reason why he plans to continue his annual donations. “It’s unfair that socioeconomic inequalities should stand in the way of merit and hard work,” he firmly states. “Dakshini Prayash’s mission addresses that perfectly.”

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During the summer of 2023, Kabir travelled to India for 2 weeks to interact directly with the students and lead them through a project for Founders’ Day. This year, the theme revolved around energy and sustainability, so Kabir suggested a large collage made up of four panels to be displayed at the entrance of the school, with each panel representing a different energy source (hydroelectric, wind, solar and biogas). Kabir suggested that the collage be made up of old newspaper cuttings to exemplify the theme, and he helped guide the students through the drawing and assembly of the collage. Although initially “shy and overwhelmed” to come to the school when he was younger, returning to the school for the project was a great experience for Kabir. “Coming back now as a teenager, I realise that those donations made a much bigger impact than I previously thought. It’s a great feeling to know you’re making a difference.”

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