The Future Has Names

Meet Jishnu

Jishnu lost both parents when he was very young. His father had already passed away when his mother died by suicide. His extended family sent Jishnu to Shanti Bhavan because they could not care for him.

When he first arrived, Jishnu kept to himself and hesitated to speak. But with our community’s love, patience, and nurturing, he’s found his voice.

In the dorm, Jishnu pays attention to what needs to be done. He lends the aunties a hand and reminds his classmates about their chores. In class, he participates frequently and often takes the lead. He is known for his bright, mischievous smile.

Jishnu is in kindergarten and at the beginning of his 18-year commitment with us. All of our children come to Shanti Bhavan at age four. We educate them through high school, and continue to support them through college until they begin their first jobs. We invest deeply not only in their education, but in their success, to ensure their futures are full of possibility.

Education is just one part of our commitment to each child. Nutritious meals, healthcare, and the dedicated supervision by house mothers are part of their upbringing. Teachers, administrators, and volunteers support a child at every stage of development. A preschooler’s needs differ from those of a teenager considering top colleges after graduation. A college student needs help preparing for a first job while navigating family expectations. Shanti Bhavan’s commitment continues through these changes, and each student makes their own choices about what comes next.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll meet our children and graduates at different points in their lives. Their stories will show what shaped their hopes, what they’re working toward, and how sustained education and care can change the course of a future. Yogalakshmi and Samuel are among the many whose stories we’ll share.

Yogalakshmi visiting home

Yogalakshmi recently graduated from Shanti Bhavan. She hopes to become a doctor, inspired by her older sister, a nurse in an emergency ward. She wants to serve rural communities, treating patients and helping families better manage their health.

Sam with Shanti Bhavan children

Sam graduated in 2020 and now works in AI and technology consulting in Boston. He pays for his sister’s college education, saves toward a home for his parents, and sponsors a child at Shanti Bhavan. His story shows one way a graduate’s ambitions can extend into the lives of their family and future generations.

Jishnu in class

Jishnu is at the beginning of his journey. Right now, he has friends to play with, lessons to learn, and new activities to try. His future will take shape through those experiences and the choices he makes as he grows.

Since our second campus opened, the number of students we support has grown by 40%. We’re raising $450,000 by December 1 to provide education and care across both schools. Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar through December 1.

The Future Has Names invites you to get to know the students whose lives and learning your support makes possible. We’re beginning with Jishnu.

Give for What’s Next