Sometimes, a beautiful smile hides grief with great knack. Such is the story of Sheetal Chawla. Dwelling in a remote village of Gujarat called Bhayli, Sheetal loves to draw Mehendi on hands and is also fond of dance. However, there is a gloomy story behind that lively face due to an unforeseen life event that Sheetal had to go through at a tender age.

Two years ago her father suffered from high BP and had a mild heart attack. Bharati Behn, Sheetal’s mother, began to work as domestic help in households with some hope to help her husband recover and to support the family. “We could not afford the surgery and hence we were forced to treat my husband with medicines,” says Bharati Behn. After suffering for two months, Sheetal’s father passed away in March, 2011 which was also the first day of her annual exam. Due to this unfortunate event, Sheetal was unable to take her exams and hence she lost a year. This eventually led her to repeat class VII at Pragati Vidyalaya, Bhayli. Sheetal has deep regrets for the same, and this is the reason for her grief.

Bharati Behn is the only earning member in the family now. With her little income, she manages to educate both her children. Sheetal’s brother, Piyush who is studying in standard X, aims to do his ITI Diploma. Bharati Behn leaves for work by 6 am and hence Sheetal and her brother’s breakfast is just a glass of milk.

Sheetal looks forward to having the delicious meal provided by Akshaya Patra which is served before noon during day school from 7 a.m. to 1 pm Sheetal says, “Akshaya Patra mid-day meals are a boon to families like ours, where it is difficult to have such a nutritious hot meal every day”. She further extends a special thanks to all the 'Bhais' (brothers) and 'Behns' (sisters) of Akshaya Patra for their continued efforts and support.