Wanting to break out of earthly confines and fly high is a dream that is common to much of the human race. However, only a few get to experience the same and soar the skies. Riddhi Barot, an Akshaya Patra beneficiary from Veer Narmad Primary School in Saradnagar Tarsali, Vadodara, studying in Std VII, is one such student. She wants to become a pilot and ride the wind like a bird. There is another potent motivation for this young lady’s dream – making her parents proud. “I want to do it for my parents,” she says.  
 
The daughter of a father who works in an electric shop and a mother who is a homemaker, Riddhi also has two siblings –sister Siddhi (in Std V) and brother Jai (in Std II), studying in the same school. The noted Gujarati writer, freedom fighter and social reformer, Jhaverchand Meghani, is a big inspiration in Riddhi’s life. Her parents and teachers provide her with great motivation and the latter heap praises on the young girl for her neat handwriting! 
 
Academics and sports are Riddhi’s avid interests and she counts Science and English as her favourite subjects. She is also an enthusiastic shuttler and loves to play badminton, besides being active in Scouts and Guides. She is a competitive girl, participating in various contests and looks forward to the drawing competition in particular.  
 
About Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meals served in her school, Riddhi says, “The madhyan bhojan (mid-day meal) is highly nutritious and if this food is not provided at school, we’ll fall ill and lose out on studying and playing.” Her favourite dish is Chana Dal and Bhath, while her siblings, Siddhi and Jai like Dal Dhokli the most. 

We wish Riddhi the very best for her future.