Shekhar Kumar: The Road To Success Comes Through Hard Work

Subsequent to my previous blog about the Cadence Scholarship Program, I bring to you another inspiring story featuring one of our students—Shekhar.

The saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” perfectly fits Shekhar's outlook. His mother passed away while giving birth to Shekhar, and his grandmother began to care for him and his two siblings. A few years later, when Shekhar was only 11 years old, his father passed away. This incident left Shekhar completely distraught, and he moved to his aunt’s home while his other siblings stayed with extended family in another state.

Shekhar’s aunt alone could not afford to raise him, so his schooling was funded by a local NGO until the 12^th grade. Despite experiencing tragedy at such a young age, Shekhar has faced life with courage and determination.

Shekhar aspired to pursue hotel management, so he appeared for the National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE). Shekhar could not afford coaching expenses and studied for the test by himself and obtained a seat at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Gwalior.

Considering Shekhar’s situation and the fees for a hotel management course, he was referred to the Cadence Scholarship Program. Shekhar convinced the selection panel of his sincerity, work ethic, and desire to excel in his chosen field. Impressed with his conviction and passion, he was selected for a scholarship. The scholarship support facilitated his admission, and he was extended complete support, including his tuition fees and accommodation expenses.

There was no looking back for Shekhar after that. He put all his efforts into adjusting to the demanding environment of IHM, especially learning to speak English. His mentor from Cadence, Ms. Roli Sinha, played an important role in shaping and guiding him. She helped him develop his communication skills, which is crucial in his chosen field. Gradually, he gained confidence and started participating in various activities organized by the college. Despite suddenly having to study in English, he succeeded, and his industrial training at Hyatt Andaz in New Delhi helped him get hands-on experience in the hospitality sector.

Many people give up hope and aspirations when faced with adversity. However, Shekhar is not one to surrender to challenges. He inspires many with his courage and determination.

Shekhar completed his hotel management course and found a job in Reliance Retail, a department store, as a trainee. He was recently transferred to their Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, branch as a Department Manager of apparel. He shared, “Had it not been for the Cadence Scholarship Program, my higher studies might have remained a dream, as it was unthinkable for me to join the course for lack of financial backing. After getting the scholarship, I feel my life completely changed…as it changed my thoughts, my lifestyle, and my personality. Today, I am financially independent and in a position to support my siblings. I will never forget that this was possible because of Cadence and Joining Hands.”

Cadence Scholarship Program

The Cadence Scholarship Program was introduced six years ago in India, and it aims at addressing the issue of retaining students from underprivileged backgrounds in the academic cycle through funding and support to undertake graduation and professional courses. Over the years, it has benefited more than 400 students across Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

The execution and administration of the program are managed by our NGO partners Concern India Foundation (CIF) and Joining Hands. The students are selected through a rigorous process of due diligence carried out by Joining Hands. Concern India Foundation oversees the student’s performance throughout their coursework. Cadence employees in each of these locations volunteer as mentors to help them with their studies, develop their personalities and improve their communication and employability skills.