But that’s not what makes her extraordinary. . . .

Samina worked for 2 years as a management consultant with Deloitte in the US and got great reviews for her work.

 But that’s not what makes her extraordinary. . . . 

She left her lucrative corporate career in the US and relocated to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh where she knew no-one, to solve for, one of India’s most pressing problems : providing a quality education for its low-income children and helping them create successful career pathways thereafter. Uttar Pradesh - India’s largest state, and equivalent in population size to Brazil-the world's fifth most populous nation, after China, India, USA and Indonesia. Samina took on a challenge that mattered not just to the state, or India, but to all of humanity.

But that’s not what makes her extraordinary. . . . .

Samina’s insight was this: it is possible to give a better education to millions of low-income children. The infrastructure is there, the teachers are there and the law is there - in the form of the Right to Education Act - RTE Act 12(1)c mandates unaided private schools to reserve 25% of their seats in primary school from Class 1-8 for children from economically weaker backgrounds. What was missing was a successful implementation of the Law.

Samina led this crusade leading to RTE admissions in schools in UP jumping to #600,000 from #54 in 9 years till 2023. It entailed fearlessly taking on influential private school lobbies, navigating complex public systems in Uttar Pradesh, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. Her tireless advocacy and perseverance culminated in a groundbreaking Supreme Court verdict in Uttar Pradesh, a landmark decision that shattered barriers and opened the doors to education for the underprivileged under RTE in UP. . Samina became the RTE champion in UP. 

This was furiously covered by the press. . . . Samina became the RTE champion in UP. 

You might think that is what makes Samina extraordinary . . . .

But that’s not all.

As a child, Samina was diagnosed with polio resulting in partial paralysis in her left leg. Just the simple act of walking is for her, a daunting task. Despite facing such obstacles, she has used this challenge as a fuel to drive change and create a better future for herself and others.

That is what makes Samina truly extraordinary.
 
And now, Samina needs your support.

All through her adult life Samina has struggled to walk comfortably making it challenging to keep up with the demands of a changemaker's life.

Now, a beacon of hope has emerged - in the form of a  state-of-the-art bionic leg brace that could dramatically transform Samina's life. This groundbreaking technology (C-Brace by Ottobock) can make walking more comfortable and natural, transforming the quality of her life. 

Samina-C-Brace RSP


But there is a challenge: the cost of the brace is prohibitively high at INR 68  lacs - making it beyond Samina's reach.

Here’s where you come in. . . . With a chance to do something a little extraordinary. . . .

By contributing to this campaign, you will empower Samina to move freely, confidently, and continue her life's work without the hindrance of mobility issues.

In September first week 2023, Samina leaves for a 3 month stint to the US and UK for the Mulago fellowship / Chevening Gurukul Leadership program.

It would be wonderful if she can board that flight with the new braces, on her own, Independent, self-driven.

And as extraordinary as ever.

It’s time for us to support Samina.. . . . .