Chaitra Ramanal, a sixth-grade student at GHPS Girls Hirehonniahalli in Dharwad, spends her free time playing games, watching TV, and keeping up with current events. Born in Hire Honnalli, Chaitra comes from a humble farming family, with her father, Jagadeesh Ramanal, working on their own land, and her mother managing the household. Chaitra has two sisters in eighth grade and a younger brother in fourth grade.
CONFIDENCE IS NOT ABOUT BEING THE BEST
In the Agastya sessions, Chaitra discovered her love for science, particularly through hands-on activities and practical experiments. Practical experiments: “I never thought science could be so interesting until I started attending Agastya classes,” she says. The shift from theoretical learning to a more practical approach has made a significant difference in her understanding and enthusiasm for the subject. Before joining Agastya, Chaitra found science challenging and somewhat intimidating. However, these sessions’ interactive and engaging methods have changed her perspective. “I used to be afraid of asking questions, but now I’m curious about everything. Agastya has taught me that it’s okay to question and explore,” she adds with a smile.
Chaitra recalls making a simple world map at home with the help of her family, a project inspired by an Agastya session. The process not only deepened her understanding of geography but also brought her closer to her family as they worked together. “Building the model made me realize how fun learning can be when you do it together,” she notes. The teamwork skills she developed during this project have been invaluable, especially during group activities at school, where she now feels more confident contributing her ideas.
Agastya’s influence on Chaitra extends beyond just academics. The sessions have nurtured her critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. For instance, during a group activity at Agastya, Chaitra learned the importance of collaboration. “We were working on a science experiment, and I realized that everyone’s ideas are important. It helped me see things from different perspectives,” she shares. This experience has not only improved her teamwork skills but has also made her more open-minded and willing to listen to others.
ASPIRATIONS
Chaitra’s ultimate goal is to become a doctor, a dream that aligns perfectly with her growing passion for science. She believes that her journey with Agastya is laying a strong foundation for her future. With the skills and knowledge she is gaining from Agastya, Chaitra is on a promising path toward achieving her dream, proving that with the right support and encouragement, even the sky is not the limit.
