My name is Hrithika Guptha. I am 16 years-old and a Grade 11 student at Vidyaniketan School, Bengaluru.

I have undertaken this campaign because I have recently learnt that many students from low-income groups in Karnataka, who go to school (mainly govt schools) do not have basic school gear like proper footwear or a school bag and often sit on the hard ground in order to study at school.

Sitting down on the floor for long periods of time means 9 in 10 students will face posture-related problems. It also has an indirect impact on their eyesight and their ability to concentrate and study. Lack of footwear also leads to foot-related diseases and health issues due to which these students may miss up to a week of classes per month which affects their academics.

The back-to-school kit costs just INR 950 and gives students a pair of recycled footwear, a recycled study mat to sit comfortably at school or home, and a recycled school bag to carry books. This is a very small amount to impact the life of a student. For example, INR 3800 given by one person can transform the lives of 4 students.

I request you to support my campaign so that, together we can impact the health, attendance, and grades of these fellow students. Be rest assured that this kit will bring a big smile to their faces and give them a lot of confidence.