By Pradeep Sisodia, Rotary Club of Chandigarh Mid Town, Chandigarh, India
From an early age, Shubham Pandit understood the value of hard work. He watched his father, an office assistant who also undertakes cloth alteration and repair work to supplement the family income, struggle tirelessly to make ends meet. Yet despite his determination and academic promise, Shubham’s dream of becoming a computer engineer seemed beyond reach with the cost of higher education.
My wife, Nandita Sisodia, had known the family for several years and was deeply impressed by Shubham’s determination, humility, and academic potential. She believed that no deserving student should be denied an education because of financial hardship. Determined to help, she began reaching out to friends, social organizations, and corporate contacts to explore opportunities for educational support. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives appeared to offer the most promising path.
The process required patience and persistence. Weeks of discussions, meetings, follow-ups, and documentation brought both hope and setbacks. Yet Nandita remained committed to ensuring that financial hardship would not stand in the way of a deserving student’s aspirations.
Her efforts eventually paid off.
Through sustained advocacy and coordination, an educational sponsorship package valued at approximately ₹8.20 lakh (about US$8,595) was secured under a CSR initiative. The support covers tuition fees, transportation assistance, and other educational necessities, providing significant relief to the family.
On 5 June 2026, Nandita personally coordinated Shubham’s admission to the Computer Science Engineering programme at Chitkara University, Baddi, ensuring that all formalities were completed so he could begin his academic journey without delay.
For Shubham and his parents, the sponsorship represented far more than financial assistance — it restored hope. A dream that once seemed out of reach had suddenly become attainable.
His story reminds us that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always reach those who need it most. Sometimes, one person’s willingness to care, advocate, and act can change the course of a young life.
As Rotary members, we believe that Service Above Self creates lasting change. Shubham’s journey is a powerful example of how compassion, commitment, and community support can open the door to a lifetime of opportunity.