At our visit to the Vijayanagar Project Primary School in Puri, we get the chance to talk to Rajesh Kumardas, studying in fourth standard. He is nine years old and the youngest of five siblings. He has four older sisters. His father works at a brick farm and the mother is a daily wager.

Rajesh is a good student who likes literature and loves to draw. He says, “I learn to draw from another kid.” His teachers suggest that he should have a formal coaching to hone his skills as they all are very impressed with his talent. They also let us know that he is one of the best students in class. With a characteristically mild tone he tells “I want to be a teacher.”

We ask him what he thinks about the mid-day meal. Rajesh feels grateful that such programme is implemented to feed the school children every day. It really helps the families, in the region, whose children are studying in the school. Now, every child has good food as well proper education he observes. 
We manage to click a few photographs as Rajesh re-joins his friends.