Posted on by Pinkii Bakshi

Educating a Girl, Educating Generations

I don’t remember how many forms I have filled out over the years.
School admissions, exam registrations, scholarship portals, and college applications. Uploading documents, checking details twice, and clicking submit. For me, these were routine tasks squeezed between everyday responsibilities. For her, each form was a step closer to a life she was determined to build.

Amisha Tigga, the daughter of our house help. From the very beginning, what stood out was not her circumstances, but her clarity. She wanted to study. And she never wavered.

She completed her schooling with quiet determination and went on to college, where she chose to pursue a degree in Information Technology. What impresses me most is not merely that she made it to college, but the way she approaches education- not as an obligation, but as empowerment. She has a scientific temperament, and it reflects in the way she observes, questions, or handles everyday situations.

Now, after getting into a renowned college in Ranchi, she did not slow down. Alongside her degree, she continues to upskill by enrolling in online skill certifications. Recently, she joined an online AI program offered by TCS. I find myself both amazed and quietly inspired by her curiosity, her ambition, the way she learns beyond the syllabus, beyond what is expected.

There was a moment when her journey could have taken a very different turn. Initially, she enrolled in an agricultural course, a choice influenced by her family’s background, at a renowned college. But the environment there was not kind enough. She faced bullying, and the lack of support from teachers made it harder to endure.

I was shocked to learn how the students behaved with her, and the teachers not only turned a blind eye but also blamed her. An unfortunate incident in a renowned college, I held in high regard. Though I suggested reporting the incident, she decided to leave. She did not want to waste her time and energy in the matter where nothing would work in her favour. She wanted to leave more because the course did not interest her, and she knew it was not where she belonged.

Walking away was not easy. A significant amount had already been paid, and the decision came with financial loss. Yet what stayed with me was her mother’s response. She did not dwell on the money. She simply chose to work harder, so her daughter could begin again. Amisha did not stop; she listened to her inner calling, changed streams and decided to pursue Information Technology.

In a world where many of us move with the herd, afraid to pause, reflect or ask if we are really doing what we love, she dared to begin again.

I often discuss her progress, along with that of her siblings, with her mother. She speaks with pride, mentioning how her daughters are doing even better than her youngest son. A determined woman herself, she works tirelessly, earning with one clear purpose: to ensure that her children receive the education she always believed could change their lives.

There is a saying we often hear:

“If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a girl, you educate a generation.”

Watching her journey, I understand this more deeply. The confidence she carries today will not stop with her. It will ripple into the choices she makes, the family she builds, the children she raises, and the community she influences.

Her story is not an exception.

I saw the same spark during my time with the Robin Hood Army (RHA). RHA is a volunteer-driven organisation that works to fight hunger for the underprivileged and also provides education through initiatives like RHA Academy. I often noticed girls who always show up, not because someone forced them to, but because they wanted to learn.

Pic Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHARanchi/
Pic Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHARanchi/

These girls reminded me that motivation does not depend on privilege. What it needs is opportunity. A safe space. A community of support.

For me, observing National Girl Child Day on 24th January is more about reflecting, appreciating, and celebrating such beautiful, inspiring, and determined people in everyday moments.

So, when Every Conversation Matters (ECM) introduced the theme of the girl child, it gave me an opportunity to appreciate and applaud Amisha and countless girls like her, who are true images of women’s empowerment.

Educating a girl is not about saving her. It is about trusting her strength and investing in her potential. When we educate a girl, we are not just shaping one life—we are nurturing generations of thinkers, caregivers, leaders, and changemakers.

And sometimes, it all begins with a simple phrase—“yes, you can”—to nurture and sustain their dreams.

PS: This post is a part of ‘Voices of Her Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters blog hop series.

PS: This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ 
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Cerebration – Think with body, mind & soul.

41 Replies to “Educating a Girl, Educating Generations”

  3. I think the whole motive of this hop is to share such stories. Sending more courage and power Amisha’s way, and hugs to you for penning this down.

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  5. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. It is true that educating a woman, educates an entire generation. And an educated woman can bring about a change that no one can imagine, she just needs wings to fly.

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  6. Indeed, educating a woman is educating an entire generation. Kudos to Amisha and countless girls like her, who go beyond their circumstances to achieve. This is also the reason I always look out for opportunities to sponsor the education of girls, even 1, if it is possible.

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  8. What an inspiring story. Love how it shows education isn’t just about books, it’s about confidence, choices, and shaping not just one life but whole generations. Truly motivatingBtw, some parts of your post reminded me of the book A Place Called Home by Preeti Shenoy. Do read it if and when you can

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  9. This blog really hit home, it’s such a clear reminder that real education opens doors beyond grades or geography. Loved how it shows the ripple effect one person’s determination can have on an entire family and community

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  10. I really enjoyed browsing this! The variety and heart in each post made me pause and smile today — thank you for bringing these voices and stories together.

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  13. Education is a big leveler of playing field but we really need to find a way to tackle these hurdles of bullying and lack of teacher’s interest in overall wellbeing of their students. Now days teachers go there to just fill their time slot and get out with heafty salaries. That’s a sad reality.

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  14. This was so moving to read. Amisha sounds really strong and focused. I love how you noticed the small things about her. It made me think of many girls around us. Thank you for sharing this powerful story.

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  15. This story beautifully captures how education does more than change one life it transforms families, communities and futures.Amisha’s courage and her willingness to follow her passion despite setbacks is truly inspiring. loved it

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  16. Where passion meets education , wonderful things happen. I agree that educating a girl is all about creating a mindset giving her wings which further percolates down generations.

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  18. Education takes you a step forward and that what this young girl proved to all of us. Education can make you confident, strong and a go getter in life. I am seen such examples with the daughters of the house help in my in laws place. Salute to such moms and their daughters. Truly Inspirational.

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    1. Yes, it is heartening to know that girls like Amisha are using their potential and resources to their best use. I am glad to learn more about other such girls from your comment. May their stories keep inpiring

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  22. This is such a positive and inspiring post. I often feel that children from underprivileged backgrounds are more dedicated and inclined to learn than others. Happy to know about Amisha and the amazing work RHA is doing. This is true women empowerment.

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  24. I loved how you highlighted education as a force that not only empowers a girl but enriches entire communities your heartfelt storytelling and clear passion for change made this piece deeply inspiring and reminded me why equal access to learning matters so much.

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