
ACHIEVEMENT
Students Who Dared To Dream
This Children’s Day, meet five exceptional students from Adani schools across India, which are helping young minds not only excel academically but also make significant contributions to their communities.
Sania Ahmad
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, emphasised the importance of nurturing children, stating, “Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation.” In recognition of Children’s Day on 14 Nov, which is also his birthday, we highlight exceptional students from Adani Schools across India. These institutions provide subsidised, high-quality education to over 33000 students in six schools across five states. They foster academic excellence and community contributions, showcasing the significant potential of these young minds. These inspiring stories illustrate the bright future that lies ahead for our nation.
From Adversity to Triumph
Jigar Somaiya's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Orphaned at the tender age of five, he found solace and support in the arms of his grandmother. Her unwavering belief in his potential became the bedrock of his journey.
Schooling was a challenge, made even more daunting by the financial strain of paying his fees. Yet, Jigar's determination shone through. Selling his mother's jewellery to fund his twelfth-grade education was a heartbreaking decision, but one that underscored his unwavering commitment to his studies. His academic prowess was undeniable, culminating in a commendable 83.2% in twelfth grade and a 9 CGPA in tenth. He excelled in IT, earning the coveted title of IT secretary and topper of the subject. His dedication was recognised, and he was awarded ‘Best Boy’ of his class. Adani Public School Mundra nurtured him and helped him grow. The patience and faith of the teachers in his abilities helped Jigar achieved everything he had wished for academically.
Mumbai became the next chapter in Jigar's life. Higher education was a distant dream, but his indomitable spirit led him to seek assistance from various trusts. Their generosity made his dream a reality, funding his entire four-year degree. But life wasn’t meant to be easy for Jigar. His newfound independence was marred by a cold reception from his uncle and aunt which whom he was staying in Mumbai. The feeling of being ‘unwanted’ was there throughout.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Jigar's academic pursuits flourished. In his third year of college, he secured a job at GEP Solutions. He went from associate software engineer to senior software engineer in just two years, a testimony to his unwavering dedication and exceptional skills.
Jigar's professional growth was accompanied by a personal transformation. He left his uncle's home, embracing the challenges of independent living. Balancing household chores with his demanding job was no easy feat, but Jigar's resilience shone through. His dependability and expertise earned him recognition and awards, solidifying his position as a valuable asset to his company.
His career trajectory continued to soar, with promotions and increased responsibilities. A lucrative job offer in Romania presented an opportunity for growth, but Jigar chose a different path. His heart yearned for a new beginning, and he applied for permanent residency in Australia. However, fate had other plans.
A job interview call from a German company arrived unexpectedly. Jigar's skills and experience impressed the interviewers, and he secured the position. The journey to obtaining a German visa was a whirlwind of paperwork and appointments, but his determination prevailed. The coveted EU Blue Card granted him the freedom to work and reside anywhere within the European Union.
Jigar's story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of those who believe in us. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all, proving that with perseverance, hard work, and the right kind of support, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support and guidance of my teachers at Adani DAV Public School, Mundra. My experience there was the biggest boost I could have received in my growth trajectory.”
Jigar Somaiya
The Google Story
Soveet Kumar Nayak's story isn't just about landing his dream job at Google. It's a tale of a small-town boy with big dreams, fuelled by supportive teachers, unwavering parents, and a thirst for knowledge.
His journey began at Adani Public School in Mundra. Those nine years flew by in a whirlwind of activity. Olympiads, sports tournaments, debates, quizzes, dramas – Soveet embraced it all. The supportive teachers at APS were his cheerleaders, pushing him to explore his boundaries and discover hidden talents. He honed his communication skills on stage, sharpened his mind with competitions, and built a strong academic foundation that would pave the way for his future.
But Soveet's success story wouldn't be complete without mentioning his parents. They were the rocks he leaned on, their unwavering confidence in him fuelling his adventurous spirit. They encouraged him to explore countless possibilities, knowing that their son was capable of anything he set his mind to. Their message was simple – work hard, persevere, and most importantly, have fun along the way.
Fast forward to today, and Soveet stands proudly as a Software Engineer at Google, a testament to the power of a well-rounded education, supportive teachers, and a family that believes. His journey is an inspiration to students everywhere, especially those in small towns, dreaming of reaching for the stars. It whispers a message of hope: with dedication, a growth mindset, and unwavering support, even the most ambitious dreams can be achieved.

I am grateful for the holistic education that I received at APS, which has helped me to succeed in my career and personal life. My teachers helped me develop a mindset of curiosity and resilience.”
Soveet Kumar Nayak
A Language Barrier Broken, A Future Brightened
Deepika Rayala's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. When she first stepped into the halls of Adani World School, a language barrier stood between her and her new classmates. She only knew Gujarati. Yet, within a mere two months, this young girl had not only learned to speak English but had also found her place in the school community.
Her first-class teacher, Usha Ma’am, and the supportive school staff played a crucial role in bridging this language gap. They provided Deepika with the tools she needed to succeed, nurturing her confidence and encouraging her to explore her talents.
Soon, Deepika was blossoming into an all-rounder. She excelled in her studies, especially English. Her artistic flair shone bright, earning her recognition for her artwork. And her academic prowess was evident in her impressive achievements in Olympiads, where she won over 15 medals.
Deepika's story is a testament to the power of a supportive school environment. It's a reminder that with the right guidance and encouragement, any child can overcome challenges and reach for the stars. Her journey is an inspiration to students everywhere, showing them that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

My story is a shining example of how the right environment, guidance, and encouragement can transform a student’s life, and help them realise their true potential.”
Deepika Rayala
From Fishing Nets to IIT Madras
Budhadev Mandal is a resident of Dosinga village in Dhamra, Odisha. He belongs to fisherfolk community, and fishing comprises the primary source of income for his family. Academically brilliant, Budhadev is a dedicated and hardworking student, who completed his high school with flying colours. However, his dreams of pursuing higher education seemed like a far-fetched dream to him, owing to his family’s financial constraints.
Some time back, he came in contact with the Adani Foundation and found out about the ‘Vidyaratna scholarship program’. Proving his mettle, he secured the scholarship and completed his intermediate with excellent grades. With his sheer hard work, dedication and commitment, coupled with the guidance received by the Foundation, he went on to clear the prestigious IIT-JAM entrance exam, securing a seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
As he sets his eyes on a promising future, Budhadev aims to become a mathematician and win a gold medal in the subject. His journey from the remote fishing community of Dosinga to the esteemed halls of IIT is truly inspirational. It also exemplifies the transformative power of education and the profound impact of the Vidyaratna program, which is currently being run by the Foundation at two locations – Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Dhamra (Odisha).

I am thankful to the Adani Foundation. I aim to become a mathematician and win a gold medal in the subject.”
Budhadev Mandal
These stories are testimony to the transformative power of education. Supportive teachers, a nurturing school environment, and belief in oneself- that’s all you need to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and can go places. These students have not only achieved personal success but have also become an inspiration for countless others. Jigar, Soveet and Deepika serve as a reminder that with the right support and determination, any child can break free from limitations and reach for the stars.