On most mornings in a quiet neighbourhood of Udaipur, Rajasthan, Dimple walks her children to school before heading to the Anganwadi centre where she works. Her day begins like many mothers juggling jobs and household responsibilities, but the journey that led her here has been anything but easy.

Born and raised in a modest household, Dimple grew up watching her father, a taxi driver, work tirelessly to support the family. With three younger siblings and little income, the burden of household responsibilities fell on her early on. She wanted to study, but responsibilities took precedence over schooling. In 2012, she failed her Grade 10 exams. With no one to guide or support her, she dropped out.

Not long after, her father met with a serious accident, leaving him unable to work. At 17, Dimple started working at a bangle shop to keep the family afloat. By 18, she got married.

But marriage didn’t bring much change. Her husband, Durgesh, worked as a waiter in Udaipur, while his mother cooked in a hostel. They tried their best to make ends meet, but money was always tight. Dimple soon became a mother to two children—Jaydeep and Gunjan—and any hope of continuing her education felt even further out of reach.

When Durgesh lost his job, the family’s situation worsened. Dimple wanted to work, to do something more, but without a Grade 10 certificate, no one would hire her.

In 2018-19, Dimple’s mother-in-law noticed classes happening near her workplace—part of the Second Chance program, which helps older girls and women complete their secondary education. Convinced that this was the opportunity Dimple needed, she encouraged her to join and even paid for her registration.

Durgesh was unsure. With two children and so many responsibilities, how would they manage? But his mother’s determination swayed him, and eventually, he agreed.

It was far from easy. When Dimple enrolled in 2019-20, her daughter Gunjan was just nine months old. She would attend class with the baby in her arms, often studying while rocking her to sleep. Her mother-in-law stepped in wherever she could—cooking, cleaning, caring for the children—allowing Dimple to focus. Over time, even Durgesh began sharing responsibilities at home, seeing her commitment.

In 2020, Dimple passed her Grade 10 exams with 68.16%. Encouraged by her success, she applied to become an Anganwadi worker and was selected. The job gave her a sense of purpose and the financial security her family had long needed.

Inspired by her journey, Durgesh decided to resume his education as well. He enrolled in the Second Chance program’s online learning option and, in 2021, cleared his Grade 10 with 52%. He soon found work at an E-Mitra centre, a government initiative providing digital services to the public.

Their journey encouraged others too. Their neighbour, Jumma, who had also left school early, took inspiration from Dimple and Durgesh. With their encouragement and support, she completed both Grade 10 and 12.

Recently, Dimple completed her graduation while continuing her work as an Anganwadi helper. Durgesh runs services at the E-Mitra centre. Their children go to school regularly. Their combined efforts have brought stability to their family, and their story has inspired many in their community to rethink the value of education.

“If given a second chance, we can change our lives,” Dimple says. “I once thought education was beyond my reach, but today, it has given me confidence and independence.”

Durgesh adds, “Dreams are never too small. With effort and determination, success always follows.”