Stories from the Alumni Movement!

Karishma Thapa, a 2012 Teach For India Fellow, believes deeply in the power of love. As a special educator, she has learned that love drives empathy, creativity, and patience, helping her face daily challenges. One of her most cherished students is a young girl with Down's Syndrome and selective mutism. Together with the girl’s mother, Karishma is working to unlock the child’s love for life. Though she speaks little, the girl finds comfort in poetry and stories, giving a glimpse into her inner world. “It’s a journey,” Karishma says, “and every step is taken with love.”

Through the Teach For India Fellowship, Karishma has faced moments that opened her eyes to her students' struggles, like when a boy declined a ten-rupee snack, showing how much it meant to him. Today, she leads efforts like the 'Kindness Curriculum' and co-founded "Beyond Differences" to promote special education and inclusion. Karishma’s mission is to create environments where neurodivergent children can thrive and feel valued. For her, teaching is about more than academics—it’s about ensuring every child feels loved and empowered.