6 years old Rishika, a class 1 student, reacts as she participates in an acitivity during a FLN session as part of the NIPUN programme at a govt. primary school at Judiyan in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, March 2025.
Rishika says, "I study in Class 1. My school is very close to my house, so I walk there every day. All my elder brothers and sisters studied in this same school—that’s why my parents decided to send me here too. I still remember the day I got my admission. The teachers gave me a notebook and some stationery. I was so happy—it felt like a special gift just for me! My school is always neat and clean, and I love coming here every day. My teacher, Radha Ma’am, teaches us so nicely. She explains everything patiently and makes learning fun. We play and learn together, and that makes school exciting. When I reach home, the first thing I do is complete my homework. I really like studying, especially maths—I'm an expert at solving maths problems! My mother also helps me study at home. She listens to me read and helps me when I get stuck. Studying in this school makes me very happy. I never want to miss a single day!
CSF/India/Srishti Bhardwaj
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