KKR

For years, Mandevi Paswan devoted herself to her family, managing a home where every rupee was stretched thin. Her husband's ₹12,000 income barely covered their needs, leaving no space for aspirations. But when a friend introduced her to the KKR-supported Vocational Skill Course, she saw an opportunity to change her circumstances.

What started as a simple desire to contribute to household expenses turned into a life- changing journey. Mastering 22 styles of stitching, from kurtis to intricate embroidery, Mandevi discovered a talent she never knew she had. With each completed garment, she stitched together a new reality—one where she was not just a homemaker but an entrepreneur. Her skills attracted orders, and soon, with the help of a sewing machine sponsored by KKR, she was earning ₹8,000 monthly.

Sumi Pathak’s world turned upside down when she lost her father at a young age. Her mother’s ₹8,000 income was all they had, and though Sumi completed her higher secondary education, financial hardship loomed over her dreams. She knew she had to act—not just to survive but to build a future where struggle wasn’t the only option.

Her turning point came when she enrolled in the KKR-supported Hair Styling Beautician course at Hope Kolkata Foundation. More than just a training program, it became her stepping stone to self-sufficiency. The course taught her professional skills, but, more importantly, it gave her confidence—the ability to hold her head high, engage with clients, and believe in her worth.

Tuktuki Sarkar once lived in the shadows of hesitation, letting life’s circumstances dictate her future. With only a Class 6 education and a husband earning ₹10,000 a month as a driver, she felt stuck—wanting more for her daughters but unsure of how to achieve it.

Everything changed when she joined the KKR-backed Hair Styling Beautician course at Hope Kolkata Foundation. At first, she hesitated, doubting whether she could fit into a world beyond her home. But as she learned hairstyling, makeup techniques, and client interactions, she discovered a newfound confidence. Slowly, the woman who once struggled to communicate was now engaging professionally, handling customers with ease.

For Nivedita Kushwaha, financial struggles were not just a phase but a reality she had grown up with. Her father’s grocery shop brought in only ₹8,000 a month, making it difficult for her family to think beyond survival. Though she completed her higher secondary education, the lack of financial resources restricted her dreams.

Determined to create her own path, she joined the KKR-supported Tailoring and Garment Construction course at Hope Kolkata Foundation’s Vocational Skill Centre. With each stitch, she crafted more than just garments—she sewed together a new life. She learned not just tailoring but also the basics of running a business, gaining skills in pricing, budgeting, and customer management.

Sunita Dutta’s world turned upside down the day she survived an acid attack. The physical pain was unbearable, but the emotional scars ran even deeper. With financial instability adding to her suffering, the road to recovery seemed out of reach.

Then came a lifeline—Meer Foundation, supported by Kolkata Knight Riders, stepped in to fund her surgeries, provide vital medical care, and ensure her well-being during pregnancy. With unwavering support, Sunita not only healed physically but reclaimed her sense of self. Today, she no longer sees herself as a victim but as a warrior who refused to be defined by tragedy. She stands tall, embodying hope and the courage to rebuild from the ashes.

For Khairul Shaikh, the acid attack wasn’t just a physical assault—it robbed him of his identity, his dreams, and his belief in a future. The mirror reflected pain, and every step forward felt impossible. Survival itself was uncertain until a helping hand reached out.

Meer Foundation, with the support of Kolkata Knight Riders, funded his life-saving surgeries, giving him more than just medical aid—it gave him a renewed purpose. With every surgery, every stitch, he saw his confidence return. Now, Khairul dares to dream again, embracing a future filled with possibilities. His journey is proof that resilience can turn despair into determination, and second chances can redefine a life once thought lost.

Tanuja Khatun once feared she would never see her reflection without pain. An acid attack stole her sense of normalcy, leaving behind not just scars but also shattered confidence. With no financial means to afford surgeries, even a glimmer of hope felt distant.

That changed when Meer Foundation, through Brave Souls Foundation, took charge of her treatment. The surgeries did more than repair her scars—they gave her back her dignity. Today, Tanuja stands in front of the mirror, not just seeing her reflection but embracing it. She no longer hides; instead, she walks forward, proving that even the darkest moments cannot extinguish the light of resilience.

Gulista, a bright and ambitious woman, saw her dreams shattered when a brutal attack left her with severe burns on her hands, face, and back. The pain was unbearable, and the emotional toll was even greater. Struggling with despair, she faced countless challenges on her road to recovery.

With the unwavering support of Brave Souls Foundation and Meer Foundation, she underwent critical surgeries, including long-awaited face fat grafting, restoring not just her appearance but her confidence. Beyond medical aid, psychological support empowered her to rebuild her life. Today, Gulista stands resilient, proving that survivors are defined by their strength, not their scars.