In 2018, seven Isha Vidhya schools reached a new milestone when the first batch of 108 students cleared their Class 12 exams. Eighty-two students scored 60% and above, with specializations in science or commerce, and having math and computer science as part of their curriculum. Students were offered career guidance and counseling to help them plan their futures.

Read about what some of these triumphant students are doing now, why they chose to study at Isha Vidhya, and how it shaped them.

“I Want to Become a Research Scholar or Quality Control Manager at Nestle.”

Karthika was introduced to food technology during a career guidance program at school. Thereafter, she researched the subject and chose to pursue it as a career. She is now pursuing a B.Tech in Food Technology at Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, and says that her parents had to sell jewelry and take loans to make it happen. Although she dreams of pursuing higher studies in Europe, financial constraints stand in the way.

Karthika joined Isha Vidhya Nagercoil in Class 2 as a first-generation school-goer and stood second in Class 12, scoring 87%. She was a school leader and says that this experience helped her lead her department in college well after being elected treasurer.

She appreciates the values learned at school, how they have shaped her, and says that Isha Vidhya is the only reason she’s a topper at college too.

“I Want to Become a Chartered Accountant.”

Barath is studying B.Com (Computer Applications) at JN University, Bengaluru because he likes data analytics and aspires to become a Chartered Accountant.

While his college education is being financed with a student loan, he studied from Class 2 on a scholarship at Isha Vidhya Erode. His parents were inspired by Sadhguru, and found the school unique. Besides, the scholarship helped ease their burden.

Barath scored 92% in Class 12 and says that he is inspired to do well academically to empower himself. He found Isha Vidhya’s education holistic which prepared him to be participative and flexible in any situation. He fondly remembers his teachers, who were supportive and keenly guided him in academics and shaped him as a person.

“I Want to Become a Fashion Designer.”

Srijanavi is pursuing a 5-year fashion designing program at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, and says that she chose this field because of the arts and craft activities that she learned at school.

Her father, who is an engineer, is also an Isha volunteer and chose to enroll her at Isha Vidhya Cuddalore. She topped her school in Class 12, scoring 72%. She says that her teachers motivated her to excel in any activity that interested her, which gave her the confidence to do whatever she wished to and helped her realize that her academic scores alone didn’t determine her life. This has made her more self-assured and outgoing.

In the future, Srijanavi aspires to set up a fashion house that will provide employment for many people.

“I Want to Become a Siddha Doctor and Work in a Government Hospital.”

Subhasini says that all doctors have inspired her to choose this profession. She scored well in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and easily secured admission at Government Siddha Medical College, Tirunelveli. This is now her second year pursuing a Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery.

Her parents sent her to Isha Vidhya Tuticorin because she secured a scholarship in Class 3. She topped her school, scoring 85% in Class 12, and also won prizes in science exhibitions, art, and sports.

Subhasini is thankful for the opportunities at Isha Vidhya that helped in identifying her hidden talents. She holds dear her encouraging teachers and their continued follow-ups even after she left school.

She wants to offer free medical treatment to the needy in the future.

“I Want to Become a Data Scientist.”

Jothika is currently studying B.Sc. (Statistics) at Shri Sakthikailash Women's College, Salem. She loves math, which is why she chose statistics. She is also preparing for the Combined Statistical Service exam to enhance her job prospects.

She holds her school teachers dear, next only to her parents. She says that they supported and helped her throughout her school days, and everything she learned at Isha Vidhya has helped her shine while in college.

Jothika studied on a scholarship at Isha Vidhya Villupuram and is a first-generation school-goer. She topped her school in Class 12, scoring 78%, and attributes her academic success to her interest in studies. She also won prizes in art at the national level and in sports at the district level.

Jothika hopes to land a secure government job as an officer in statistics.