Lalita Ekka’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of a dream.

Originally from a remote village, Lalita came from a family struggling with extreme financial hardship. With a sick father to care for, she migrated to Delhi in search of livelihood, placing her hopes in an agent who found her employment as a house help. The conditions were harsh—her salary was handed over to the agent, and she received a small portion only once a year during home visits. Her early dream of becoming a teacher seemed a distant reality.

A Spark of Hope

Fate intervened when Lalita began working in the home of a kind-hearted family who noticed her hunger for learning. They enrolled her in tuition classes, rekindling the dream she had shelved years ago. There, she met a socially active mentor who helped her gain admission to Akshay Pratisthan, an institution where Lalita completed her board exams. Driven by determination, she went on to complete her graduation through correspondence.

With continued guidance from a dedicated tutor, Lalita eventually found an opportunity to teach at Sunaayy Foundation—a pivotal moment in her journey.

Transformation through Training

At Sunaayy Foundation, Lalita found more than just employment—she found a platform to grow. Through regular training in teaching methodology, spoken English, and digital literacy, Lalita evolved into a confident and capable educator. Working with underprivileged children, she deepened her understanding of the barriers that young girls face—especially in rural communities.

Her own experiences helped her recognize a tragic pattern in her village: girls burdened with household responsibilities were unable to attend school regularly. This led to poor academic performance, criticism, and dwindling self-worth. Many parents saw this as justification for early marriage, cutting short their daughter’s chance at a better future.

Giving Back: A Learning Center in Her Village
Empowered by her own transformation, Lalita decided to return to her roots to make a difference. In 2021, she visited her village and proposed starting a local learning center for girls. The community welcomed her idea, and with their support, classes began at the Panchayat Bhavan with 35 girls and two local graduate teachers. Today, the center has grown to serve 50+ students, with teachers trained under Lalita’s guidance in pedagogy and digital skills. Her initiative is not only helping girls receive foundational education but is also creating a new generation of local women educators—capable, confident, and committed to change.

Lasting Impact

Lalita’s journey—from being a house help with a dream, to becoming a teacher, mentor, and community leader—epitomizes the transformative power of opportunity and support. Through Sunaayy Foundation, she found the platform to rise—and now, she is building the same foundation for others.

“My dream was once mine alone. Now, it belongs to every girl in my village.” – Lalita Ekka

Lalita’s story is a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets purpose—and proof that true empowerment can turn personal victories into collective triumphs.

When Puja Kumari moved from Bihar to Delhi in 2013, she carried with her the hopes of a better life for her family. A graduate by education, she found herself confined to household duties, raising her young son while quietly setting aside her aspirations for personal and professional growth—a reality shared by many women across India.

Her journey took a transformative turn in 2017 when she joined Sunaayy Foundation as a teacher.

Though she began with little confidence, Puja immersed herself in the learning process. Through consistent hands-on experience and specialized training in child management, content development, and classroom instruction, she evolved into a confident educator and leader. She embraced digital learning platforms during the pandemic, improving her spoken English and mastering virtual classrooms—skills she had never imagined acquiring.

But Puja’s transformation didn’t stop at personal growth. Recognizing the impact of education on her own life, she made a bold decision—to take the mission back home.

Creating Change at the Grassroots

Puja returned to Bihar with a dream: to bring education to underserved children in her native region. With determination and support from her sister Rakhi, she established two Sunaayy learning centers in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur.

It wasn’t easy. Convincing families to send their children, particularly girls, to these centers was an uphill battle. But Puja’s perseverance paid off. What began with just six children has now grown into a network of approximately 60 students at each center—proof that change is possible, even in the most resistant environments.

A Ripple Effect of Empowerment

Today, Puja wears many hats: teacher, center coordinator, administrator, and mentor. Her efforts have inspired other women like Sapna from Bihar and Babita from Uttar Pradesh to step forward, pursue self-reliance, and lead their communities.

Her son, now 13, studies at Delhi Public School (DPS)—a testament to the future she’s working hard to build, not just for her own child, but for countless others.

Puja Kumari’s story exemplifies Sunaayy Foundation’s mission—to empower women with skills, confidence, and purpose, enabling them to transform not just their lives but those around them. With the right support, a single woman can become the catalyst for change in her entire community.