Bhubaneswar, Jun 19: They say, “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel” — a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope endures. Keep pushing forward, and the right support may find its way to you. That’s exactly what unfolded in the life of Padmini Khara.

In the quiet tribal hamlet of Marabaiguda, Harijana Sahi in Odisha’s Koraput district, 17-year-old Padmini has become a beacon of hope and resilience. Her story—marked by hardship, academic brilliance, and a timely intervention by the Khimji Foundation — is a powerful reminder of how compassion can change lives.

Padmini’s life took a difficult turn four years ago when her father suffered a debilitating brain stroke, leaving him bedridden. Her mother, a Mission Shakti worker, became the sole breadwinner, juggling household responsibilities, medical expenses, and raising three daughters.

Despite the odds, Padmini remained focused on her studies, scoring 96% in Class 10 and 94% in Class 12 under the CBSE board.

However, financial constraints threatened to derail her dream of pursuing higher education and becoming an IAS officer. That’s when the Khimji Foundation, the CSR arm of Khimji Jewellers, stepped in after learning about her situation through media reports.

Moved by her determination and academic excellence, the Foundation extended full financial support for her graduation journey. This includes tuition fees, hostel accommodation, coaching, and other academic needs. As an immediate relief, the Foundation also handed over a cheque of ₹1 lakh to ease her family’s burden.

Speaking on the occasion, Mitesh Khimji, Managing Director of Khimji Jewellers, said, “At Khimji Foundation, we are committed to supporting deserving individuals who show exceptional promise. In recognition of her achievement and considering family strength, the Foundation has decided to extend full support in her academic journey."

Appreciating Padmini, Mr Khimji said: "Scoring so well under challenging personal and financial circumstances is a testament to her dedication, resilience and potential.”

For Padmini, the support is more than just financial aid—it’s a second chance. “I had almost given up,” she said. “But Khimji Foundation believed in me. Now I can finally follow my dreams without holding back.”

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