At just 16 years old, Gurugram student Anshika Chand is proving that compassion and innovation can reshape lives. What began as a small school internship project has grown into a nationwide movement for inclusive education, giving children with special needs equal access to classrooms, confidence, and opportunities.
A Wake-Up Call During an Internship
During her internship with Indic AI, a non-profit working for inclusive learning, Anshika came across a troubling fact — though 5% of seats in Indian universities are reserved for students with special needs, nearly 70% remain vacant each year.
The reason wasn’t lack of talent — it was lack of access to study material, coaching, and confidence.
“That realisation changed everything,” Anshika recalls. “These children don’t need sympathy; they need support and visibility.”
From School Project to National Impact
With mentorship from inclusive education expert Ram Kamal, Anshika developed a small initiative to make learning accessible for children with special needs. Over three years, that idea evolved into a structured national program — supported by volunteers, NGOs, and school networks across India.
So far, she has raised over Rs 11.5 lakh to fund free exam coaching, digital learning tools, and communication training — all offered on 100% scholarship.
Her first campaign focused on visually impaired students. Partnering with organisations like RDT Trust, NAB, and Saksham, she helped 30 students receive specialised coaching — many of whom are now studying at IIM Rohtak, Delhi University, and Ashoka University.
Empowering Deaf Learners Through Tech
Anshika’s next mission was to bridge the communication gap for hearing-impaired learners. She helped promote and enhance the Indic Sign App, which teaches English and communication skills using Indian Sign Language.
She raised Rs 2 lakh to fund new app features like lip-reading and reading comprehension, and today, over 200 students actively use it.
Building Confidence, One Speech at a Time
For Anshika, confidence is as important as books. To nurture it, she founded Inclusive Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs, where students with and without disabilities come together to speak, listen, and share.
She mobilised Rs 8 lakh to launch these clubs in schools, creating safe spaces for self-expression and understanding.
The Joy of Giving and Growing Together
Every year, she leads ‘Joy of Giving’ events, where children aged 9–16 volunteer and raise funds for inclusion projects. “Inclusion isn’t charity,” she says. “It’s equality. Every child deserves a chance to learn and be heard.”
The Road Ahead
From a single idea to a nationwide impact, Anshika’s work has already helped over 350 students. But for her, this is just the beginning.
A school project once opened her eyes — now, her mission is opening doors for those who were once left behind.
