Study Hall College hosted a special career guidance session with Dr. Amrita Das, Founder-Director of the Institute of Career Studies. She interacted with students and discussed the changing world, emerging career opportunities, and the skills needed for the future.
Dr. Das emphasised that while choosing a career, it is important not only to consider which course to pursue but also to understand one’s interests and strengths. She also introduced students to emerging fields such as digital marketing, data analytics, game design, cyber law, and fintech.
“The world is changing very rapidly today. Therefore, it is important that we keep learning continuously and adapt ourselves to change. Along with technology, creative thinking, sensitivity, and the ability to understand people will also be very important in the future.” — Dr. Amrita Das
During the session, students asked several questions about their career choices. Palak, a BBA student at Study Hall College, said, “We learned about many career options that we had never considered before. This conversation gave us an opportunity to think about our future from a new perspective.”
Dr. Himanshu Singh, Director of Study Hall College, said, “Such conversations help students develop a better understanding of their career choices and make informed decisions about their future.”
Lucknow: Seventeen-year-old Dipti Kanaujiya, a student of Prerna Girls School, will leave for Singapore on 4th August after winning a prestigious scholarship to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA), one of the world’s leading international schools. Her achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the school but also for the many girls from underserved communities who aspire to higher education and global opportunities.
The scholarship, awarded through the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, is among the world’s most competitive educational opportunities. Founded in 1962, UWC comprises 18 schools and colleges across four continents, bringing together students from more than 150 countries. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, resilience, commitment to service and desire to create positive social change.
Dipti’s journey has been shaped by extraordinary resilience. Having lost both her parents at a young age, she overcame personal hardship to excel academically while actively participating in co-curricular activities and community engagement.
“When I first applied for the UWC scholarship, I never imagined I would be selected,” said Dipti. “My teachers encouraged me to believe in myself even when I doubted my abilities. Prerna has given me much more than an education—it has given me confidence, courage and the belief that my background does not define my future”, she adds.
Her success reflects the educational philosophy of Prerna Girls School, run by the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), which combines academic excellence with leadership development, critical thinking and career guidance. Through its Critical Dialogue Programme, students engage with issues such as gender equality, constitutional values and social justice, while the Life Plan Programme helps girls identify career pathways, prepare for higher education and access scholarships.
Dipti also acknowledged those who supported her journey. “I am deeply grateful to UWC India and UWCSEA for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. Their support has made it possible for me to dream beyond my circumstances.
“I am thankful to Urvashi Aunty for making this achievement possible and for creating a universe of care where every girl feels valued, supported and empowered to dream. I sincerely thank our Principal, Rakhi Aunty, Vice Principal, Roli Aunty, my family, friends and teachers for believing in me and encouraging me at every step. A special thanks to Mariya didi, whose guidance and unwavering support helped me prepare for this incredible opportunity,” she said.
Welcoming her into its global community, UWCSEA stated, “The world needs you, and all our UWC scholars now, more than ever before.”
For Prerna Girls School, Dipti’s achievement is more than an individual success. It demonstrates how quality education, mentorship and access to opportunity can transform lives. As she prepares to begin her studies in Singapore, Dipti hopes her journey will encourage more families to invest in their daughters’ education.
“If I can achieve this, then many more girls can too,” she said. “I want every girl to know that no dream is too big when you have courage, determination and people who believe in you.”
For many families of children with special needs, one question often weighs heavily on their minds: What will happen when our children grow up? At Study Hall Educational Foundation’s DOSTI, that question is being answered with hope, opportunity, and dignity.
Driven by the belief that every child is unique and deserves to be understood, accepted, and nurtured according to their individual strengths, Study Hall DOSTI provides personalized education, life-skills training, and vocational support tailored to each learner’s abilities, interests, and aspirations. Rather than focusing on limitations, the programme helps young adults discover their strengths and prepares them for independent, meaningful lives.
This philosophy recently translated into a remarkable milestone when five young adults from DOSTI secured employment at a very prominent Hospital in Lucknow. Their achievement is not just a personal success—it is a powerful reminder that with the right training, acceptance, and equal opportunities, individuals with special needs can become confident, valued contributors to society.
For the families, the moment has been life-changing. Sudha Pandey, mother of Rohan Raj Pandey, shared her overwhelming gratitude. “It is a feeling of immense joy and relief. Despite his physical and cognitive challenges, Rohan has secured a job. This opportunity has filled our hearts with gratitude and has eased our greatest anxiety about his future.”
Manisha Agarwal, mother of 23-year-old Rishi Agarwal, echoed similar emotions. “Rishi has always given his heart to everything he does. We are deeply grateful to the team at the hospital and the DOSTI family for believing in our children. He is excited to begin this new chapter and is determined to give his very best.”
The family of another newly employed student, Shruti, described the opportunity as “nothing short of a miracle,” expressing heartfelt thanks for opening a future they once thought impossible. These stories are a testament to what becomes possible when education is paired with inclusion, compassion, and opportunity. At Study Hall Educational Foundation, the goal has never been to define children by their disabilities, but by their abilities, aspirations, and potential. The success of these five young adults is a celebration not only of their determination, but also of a future where every individual is given the chance to flourish with confidence, dignity, and purpose.
“My father died because we couldn’t afford proper medical treatment. That loss changed my life forever. I decided that I wanted to become a doctor so that no family has to lose a loved one simply because they are poor,” says Neelu, who has successfully cleared the NEET examination and is now preparing to apply to medical colleges.
Neelu’s educational journey began at Prerna Girls School, a highly subsidized school for girls from marginalized communities run by Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), where she enrolled in kindergarten and soon stood out as a bright and determined learner. Her outstanding academic performance earned her a scholarship to Study Hall School in Class 11, where she continued to excel while preparing for the NEET examination. She graduated earlier this year with an impressive 94% in the CBSE Class 12 Board examinations and has been awarded the prestigious Vahani Scholarship, making her one of only 50 students selected from thousands of applicants across India. The scholarship will support her higher education by covering her tuition and related educational expenses as she pursues her dream of becoming a cardiologist.
Raised in Digdiga village in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Neelu lives with her mother and younger sister. Her mother, the family’s sole earning member, works both as a hospital attendant and as a domestic house help. When Neelu was in Class 8, her father passed away because the family could not afford timely medical treatment. His death became the turning point in her life.
“I realised there was only one way to change my family’s future—education. Every difficulty became another reason to study harder,” says Neelu.
Her journey was not without social barriers. Relatives and members of her community repeatedly urged her mother to stop educating her daughters and arrange their marriages instead. But her mother stood by her, encouraged by the education and support provided by Prerna Girls School. “Prerna Girls School made me believe that education can transform our lives, no matter where we come from. My success is the greatest gift I can give back to my school. I hope my journey inspires more girls in my community to dream bigger and become changemakers,” she says.
Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF, said, “Neelu’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. When girls are given access to quality education, encouragement, and the freedom to dream, they transform not only their own lives but also the future of their families and communities. We are immensely proud of Neelu and wish her every success as she begins her journey towards becoming a doctor.”
Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal, Study Hall School, said, “Neelu has always been an exceptionally sincere, hardworking, and focused student. Balancing outstanding academic performance with the rigorous preparation required for NEET is no small achievement. Her resilience in the face of immense personal and financial challenges makes her success even more remarkable. She is an inspiration to our entire school community.”
For Neelu, scoring 94 percent in her Class 12 board examinations is more than an academic achievement – it is a step closer to a dream shaped by personal loss, resilience, and hope.
A student of Study Hall, Neelu dreams of becoming a cardiologist after losing her father a few years ago. The experience changed her life forever and inspired her to pursue medicine so she can help families who struggle to access timely healthcare.
Neelu’s journey began at Prerna Girls School, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), where she joined as a kindergarten student. From an early age, she showed exceptional determination and a deep commitment to her studies. Her hard work and academic excellence later earned her a scholarship to Study Hall in Class 11.
While balancing school and intensive preparation for the NEET examination, Neelu continued to excel academically. Her perseverance has also earned her the prestigious Vahani Scholarship, through which she was selected among only 50 students from thousands of applicants across India. If she clears NEET, the scholarship will support her higher education by covering her tuition fees and educational expenses.
Behind Neelu’s success is a story of courage and quiet strength. After the loss of her father, her mother – who works as a house help – became the family’s pillar of support. Despite financial hardships and emotional challenges, Neelu remained focused on her dream and continued to work tirelessly towards it.
At SHEF, stories like Neelu’s remind us why access to quality education matters. When girls are given the right opportunities, mentorship, and encouragement, they are able to transform not only their own futures but also the lives of those around them.
Speaking about Neelu’s achievement, Dr. Urvashi Sahni, Founder of SHEF, shared that Neelu’s journey reflects the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing young girls with care and opportunity.
Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall, described Neelu as a sincere, hardworking, and focused student who remained committed to her studies despite the challenges she faced at home.
Neelu’s story is one of determination, hope, and purpose — a reminder that dreams can rise even from the most difficult circumstances when young people are supported with education and opportunity.
Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh: Gyansetu, an initiative of Study Hall Educational Foundation working in rural communities through informal learning centers, organized a unique “Bachpan ka Mela” in Chhatena village, Barabanki. The event brought together children, parents, and the wider community in a joyful celebration of childhood and learning.
Around 65 children from multiple Gyansetu centers in Barabanki district—including Gaurya, Bhojpur, Khurkundapur, Achalganj, Alhemau, Jhalihaand, Raipur and Sikandarpur—participated in the mela, along with 10 community-based teachers. The event witnessed a footfall of approximately 200 people, reflecting strong community engagement.
The day featured mesmerising stage performances by children, showcasing their learning and expression through songs, drama, and dance, followed by a lively fete. The fete included game stalls set up and managed by children, along with food stalls supported by parents and community members. From organizing stalls to interacting with visitors, children confidently took ownership of the event, demonstrating creativity, responsibility, and leadership, while the active involvement of the community made it a truly collective effort.
A key force behind the successful organization of the event were the teachers from the Chhatena center, Manju and Deepali, whose efforts and coordination played an important role in bringing the mela to life.
The event also saw support from village leadership and active participation from women and families. One of the key supporters from the village, Mr. Ravendra ji, who is a member of the Pradhan’s family, shared, “This mela has brought the whole village together. Seeing our children speak, perform, and manage everything with such confidence makes us proud. It shows that when children are given the right opportunities, they can truly shine.”
The program was formally inaugurated by BDO, Ms Neha Sharma with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sharing her thoughts, she said, “This is a wonderful example of how learning can be joyful and meaningful. When children are encouraged to express themselves and take responsibility, it builds their confidence and shapes them into future leaders. Initiatives like this strengthen both education and community bonds.”
Shikha Singh, Program Manager at Gyansetu, congratulated the teachers, children, and community members and said, “What makes this mela special is that it is owned by the community itself. When parents, children, and local members come together, education becomes a shared responsibility..and that is where real change begins.”
The event highlighted that when children are given the right opportunities, they don’t just learn—they lead and engage confidently with the world around them. It reinforced the idea that learning spaces can be joyful, inclusive, and rooted in the community.Through initiatives like “Bachpan ka Mela,” Gyansetu continues to build a model where education connects people, empowers children, and strengthens communities.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Class 10 results on 15 May, and Study Hall once again recorded a stellar performance with a 100% pass result. Students demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, with several securing top scores. The highest percentage was jointly achieved by Navya Agarwal and Vedang Mani Tripathi, both scoring an impressive 98%.
Navya said, “Feels incredibly rewarding. This journey taught me the value of consistency and self-belief. I’m truly thankful to my teachers and family for always encouraging me and helping me stay focused.”
Vedang shared, “I feel proud and thankful for this result. My teachers guided me at every step, and my family kept me motivated. This achievement means a lot to me and encourages me to keep working hard.”
They were closely followed by Dushyant Shukla, who scored 97.6%, and Shatakshi Singh, who secured 97.2%. Shreyashi Rai achieved 97%, while Anya Chopra scored a commendable 96.6%, contributing to the school’s outstanding overall performance.
The Principal of Study Hall, Meenakshi Bahadur, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the students. She said, “We are extremely proud of our students for their remarkable achievements. Their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off.”The results reflect the students’ dedication, hard work, and the continuous support of teachers and parents.
Study Hall College students delivered an outstanding performance at the three-day “Fusion Fest 2026” organized by IMRT Business School, winning multiple medals and prizes across categories. A total of 64 students participated in nearly 24 events spanning academic, sports, cultural, fine arts, and e-sports segments, securing cash rewards, certificates, and trophies.
Among the top achievers, Aditya Kumar, Aryan Mishra, and Srishti Nigam (BBA) won gold medals in Carrom, Arm Wrestling, and Mehendi, respectively. Radhika Gupta (BBA) secured a silver medal in Carrom, while Priya Yadav, Vishesh Gupta (BBA), and Riya Yadav (B.Com) jointly won silver in the Cooking Without Fire competition. Pankaj Yadav (BBA) and Tanisha (BCA) earned bronze medals in Shot Put and Sketching. Somya Singh, Yukti Kashyap, and Khushi (B.Com) won bronze in Rangoli. The girls’ team also achieved runner-up positions in Volleyball and Tug-of-War.
Students further showcased their talents in a wide range of events including Nukkad Natak, Group Dance, Waste of Art, Hindi and English Debate, Group Discussion, Parliamentary Debate, Cinema Decoding, Advertisement Making, Cricket, Football, Tug of War, E-Sports, and Badminton.
Study Hall College organized a three-day self-defence training session for its female students in collaboration with Usha Vishwakarma’s Red Brigade Lucknow team under the theme “Safe Women, Strong Nation.” The initiative aimed to equip students with essential safety skills and build confidence to handle challenging situations.
The program began on March 12 with a demonstration session, followed by hands-on practice on March 13 and a mock drill on March 14, allowing students to apply the techniques in real-life scenarios. Founded in 2011 by social activist Usha Vishwakarma, Red Brigade works to promote women’s safety and empower young girls through self-defence training and awareness programs.
SHEF, HCL Foundation organise issue-based concerts in 8 KGBVs of Lucknow
Lucknow, February 26, 2026: For the first time, annual concerts were organized across eight Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Lucknow by Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) in collaboration with HCL Foundation and with support from the Basic Shiksha Vibhag, Lucknow. The final concert was held on February 25, marking the completion of this landmark initiative. 560 parents attended the concerts across all eight schools.
The initiative began with KGBV Chinhat and was later extended to other KGBVs following district approval. Each school chose themes focused on gender equality and girls’ education. Through dance and issue-based dramas, girls conveyed powerful messages to parents and the wider community.
The events were attended by Dr. Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF; representatives from HCL Foundation; DC–Balika Shiksha; Block-level officers; Tehsildars; officials from the Basic Shiksha Vibhag; Academic Resource Persons (ARPs); and members of the Mission Shakti team and local police.
Basic Shiksha Adhikari Vipin Kumar said, “The true purpose of education is realized only when schools, parents, and the community come together. Such efforts lay the foundation for children’s holistic development and a stronger future.”
DC–Balika Savita added, “Such programs bring schools to life. They strengthen parents’ engagement and create a supportive environment that advances gender equality and the holistic development of girls.”
Saron (Class 7, BKT) shared that through the annual function she understood the deeper meaning of freedom and gender equality. Earlier, she believed freedom referred only to national independence, but she now realizes it also means equal rights, opportunities, and confidence for girls. “I realized that I can do anything,” she said.
Teachers described the concerts as innovative and impactful, noting that they significantly boosted girls’ confidence and encouraged stronger parental support for continued education.