There are some children who accept the world as it is told to them—and then there are those who insist on examining it for themselves. In the heart of Worli grew one such boy: Vishnu Soni, whose questions were seldom satisfied with brief replies. At Worli Seaface English Municipal School, he was known not merely for diligence, but for inquiry. If a lesson ended, his curiosity did not.
Yet for all his intellectual eagerness, Vishnu once wrestled with a quieter challenge—the confidence to articulate his thoughts fluently in English. His ideas were abundant, but expression required courage. Over time, through steady practice and encouragement, his voice found assurance. The boy who once paused now spoke with clarity—an evolution that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
In 2019, after completing Grade 10, Vishnu chose the Science stream with purposeful determination and enrolled at Pace IIT & Medical to prepare for medical entrance examinations. The undertaking was formidable: relentless study schedules, complex concepts, and the silent endurance demanded of every medical aspirant. Yet he persisted. His efforts bore fruit when he secured admission to MGM Medical College, where he now pursues his MBBS, steadily progressing toward his ambition of becoming a doctor.
A significant encouragement along the way was the Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship, awarded in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra. Selected through a competitive statewide process, the scholarship covers 51% of his tuition fees—easing financial strain while affirming his academic merit.
Beyond medicine, Vishnu cultivated financial acumen, responsibly managing mutual funds and shares. In an interaction with Arnab Banerjee of CEAT, he spoke thoughtfully about long-term investments—displaying maturity beyond his years.
Imagine a single seed dropped into dry earth. That seed is a child’s curiosity—often quiet, yet full of possibility. When nurtured with opportunity and the sunlight of language, it begins to grow. Nitin Salunkhe’s story began in the halls of Prabhadevi, where curiosity slowly turned into purpose.
From observant silence to confident expression, Nitin carried a dream of becoming an engineer. The ambition was always clear, but confidence in communication needed to grow. Through continuous practice, presentations, and encouragement, he found the words to express his ideas. What began as hesitation gradually transformed into clarity and leadership.
Think of Nitin’s potential as a locked room of brilliant ideas. Education did not simply teach him concepts—it gave him the key of articulation. With every spoken word and classroom interaction, the walls of hesitation began to crumble. Those early school sessions became rehearsals for the professional stages he walks today—interviews, presentations, and workplace discussions where his voice now carries confidence.
After completing school, Nitin chose the path of engineering. He began with a three-year Diploma in Civil Engineering, gaining a strong technical foundation and understanding the structural framework of cities. Driven to learn more, he continued his journey in Pune at Indira College, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, shaping his skills further.
A year ago, Nitin stepped into the professional world as an intern, working with designs where strength and precision meet. Soon, his dedication opened new doors. Today, he works with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, contributing to major railway infrastructure, including the Yavatmal–Nanded railway line—helping design the structures that support national progress.
Recognising his dedication and potential, Pehlay Akshar Foundation further supported him with a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Structural Design. He now balances postgraduate studies alongside his professional responsibilities, demonstrating remarkable perseverance.
Reflecting on his journey, Nitin often credits the invisible tools that shaped his path—confidence, communication, and guidance. His journey from a Prabhadevi classroom to building national infrastructure shows how classroom dreams, when nurtured with opportunity and determination, can grow into structures that carry the future.
“Knowing that Pehlay Akshar believed in his journey gave him the confidence to take on higher studies alongside professional responsibilities.”
“Every opportunity I’ve received,” Vishnu reflects, “has reminded me that consistent effort, the right guidance, and empathy can open doors to futures once only imagined.”