Every Shooting Stars scholar carries a story of grit, hope, and determination. These are journeys shaped by opportunity, mentorship, and unwavering belief – stories of students who refused to let circumstance define their future. From classrooms to careers, our scholars are breaking barriers, uplifting their families, and giving back to the communities that shaped them.
Here, we celebrate their voices, their milestones, and the futures they are building – one success story at a time.
B.Tech, CS Engineering, IGDTUW
Bhawna Gupta, a dedicated B.Tech student specializing in Artificial Intelligence at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University, exemplifies resilience and determination. Hailing from a modest background in Chanchal Park, West Delhi—where her father works as an electrician and her mother is a homemaker—Bhawna has overcome significant financial challenges, including a grueling 4-hour daily commute and covering her first-year college fees through loans and the sale of her mother’s jewelry.
SSF’s scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies, excel in subjects like Java and EVS lab work, and grow personally by actively engaging in campus life—conquering even her fear of public speaking.
Driven and ambitious, Bhawna dreams of building a self-reliant India where women are empowered and independent. Her story is a powerful testament to how SSF’s commitment to educational equity is transforming lives—one scholar at a time.
B.Tech, CS Engineering, IGDTUW
Khushi, a resilient student from South West Delhi, is pursuing her engineering education against the odds. Her father works as temporary catering staff and her mother is a housemaid—together, their modest and irregular income barely sustains their rented household. With no access to formal loans and a grueling 5–6-hour daily commute, Khushi juggled tuition jobs to cover daily expenses, all while applying for scholarships and education loans—often facing rejections.
Through the support of the Shooting Stars Foundation, her financial burden has been eased, allowing her to focus on what she loves—Computer Science and problem-solving. She thrives in practical classes, especially in Data Structures and Algorithms, and continues to grow despite the challenges.
Outside academics, Khushi channels her creativity through content creation, video editing, and event organizing—showcasing a unique blend of technical and artistic skills. Her journey is a powerful testament to how opportunity and support from organizations like SSF can fuel ambition and pave the way for a better future.
Anup Kumar Yadav, a second-year MBBS student at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, hails from the small village of Naojan in Assam’s Golaghat district. A bright student from an underprivileged background, Anup completed his schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and earned scholarships from both Super 30 and Dakshana Foundation.
Choosing NEET over JEE, he underwent residential coaching in Pune through Dakshana. Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, his preparation was uninterrupted. His journey home during the pandemic was marked by challenges—including a 5-day train ride with no food, a misrouted journey, and even a fire on the train. The timely help from Navodaya alumni, who were strangers to him, deeply moved Anup and became a turning point in his life. With support from Shooting Stars Foundation, which sponsored his college expenses, Anup could pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
Inspired by those who helped him, Anup began mentoring underprivileged students in his district. He has guided NEET aspirants from over 10 government schools by sharing study materials, providing counseling, and motivating them through their academic journey. This experience has helped him grow personally, especially in building confidence and public speaking skills.
Since 2022, he has also been volunteering every Sunday at a shelter home through the U&I Trust, teaching children from nursery to class 5. Many of the students he mentored are now pursuing MBBS degrees, and their heartfelt thank-you messages affirm his belief in giving back. Anup’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, gratitude, and the ripple effect of empowerment.
Dr. Vidyashree M Y, from the village of Madhihalli in Tumkur District, Karnataka, faced significant financial hardships growing up as the child of a single parent. Despite the odds, her determination to pursue a career in medicine never wavered.
A pivotal figure in her journey was her donor, Mr. Ashlesh Sharma, whose mentorship and encouragement helped her navigate the challenges of medical school. Now interning at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Dr. Vidyashree is preparing to pursue her MD. She’s committed to giving back to her society.
Her story reflects resilience, the impact of educational support, and the lasting power of kindness—a beacon of hope for other aspiring students.
Gunasekaran, a student of Computer Science and Engineering at GCT, Coimbatore (2019–2023) received scholarships from SSF for three crucial years, which helped him complete his degree without financial strain.
Today, as he works at Deloitte in Coimbatore, Gunasekaran looks back with gratitude at the unwavering support his donor provided, crediting the foundation for helping him shape a successful and fulfilling career.
Pradeep’s journey is one of extraordinary perseverance. After losing his father at the age of three, he was raised by his mother, a tailor who worked tirelessly to support their small family.
Despite growing up in financial hardship, Pradeep remained focused on his academics, scoring an impressive 95% in high school. He earned admission to Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology—but even with an educational loan, he couldn’t cover the full tuition.
As an SSF Scholar, Pradeep received critical financial support that allowed him to continue his education. Determined to make it work, he attended college during the day and worked night shifts at a gas station to support himself—all while caring for his ailing mother.
Pradeep’s relentless determination paid off. He not only completed his degree but also received job offers from top IT companies including Mindtree (LTIMindtree), HCL, Cognizant, and Zoho.
Bhuvaneshwari’s journey began at M. Kumarasamy College of Engineering, where tragedy struck in her first year with the loss of her father. The financial instability that followed brought immense pressure from relatives to abandon her education. However, with her mother’s unwavering support, she continued her studies.
Despite suffering another devastating loss—the passing of her mother—Bhuvaneshwari remained steadfast. With SSF’s continuous support, she graduated and secured a role as a software engineer at FIS GLOBAL, marking the beginning of a successful professional journey.


