From Lockdown to 100%: The Journey of Hethal, A Rising Star from Boddhi Tree Foundation
When schools shut down during the COVID-19 lockdown, many students struggled to keep up with their education. But for Hethal, a bright and determined girl, this pause became a turning point — thanks to the support she found at the Boddhi Tree Foundation (BTF).
Now a Class 5 student, Hethal has achieved what few students her age can boast of: a perfect 100% score across all her subjects, becoming the topper of her class and a source of inspiration for her peers and teachers alike.
Hethal began taking tuition in Class 2, right when the lockdown started. It was Sir Nikhil who informed her mother about BTF and encouraged them to join. Even before she became a part of the Foundation, she was already doing well — scoring around 92–94%. But once she joined BTF, her performance went to new heights, with consistent scores of 98–99%, and eventually, full marks in all subjects.
One of the biggest reasons for this transformation was the quality of teaching at BTF. Sir Siddharth played a crucial role in helping her build a strong foundation in mathematics.
> “He always said — if you have a doubt, just give me a call,” says Hethal. That kind of personal attention built her confidence and ensured no question went unanswered.
Over the years, she was also taught and guided by Ma’am Kajal, Ma’am Charu, Ma’am Snehalata, and Ma’am Ayushi, each of whom brought their own creative and caring teaching methods to the classroom.
The teaching approach wasn’t traditional. Teachers turned long paragraphs into simple points, made concepts visual, and even played educational games during the last 15 minutes of class to keep learning joyful. Quiz sessions and group studies created an environment where Hethal never felt pressured — only excited.
Coming from a family where no one speaks English fluently, Hethal had to overcome a language barrier early on. With the Foundation’s support, she improved in both Hindi and English, moving from barely speaking Hindi to confidently conversing in both languages.
She began watching English cartoons to improve her comprehension and was eventually able to read, write, and speak fluently — a skill that not only helped her academically but also gave her the confidence to speak in front of her school.
At BTF, she studied Math, English, Hindi, EVS, and Computers, often learning beyond her grade level.
* In Class 3, she was already solving Class 4-level questions.
* Her syllabus was usually completed ahead of time, allowing for extensive revision.
* BTF teachers would modify questions, change digits, and build flexibility in problem-solving.
The results were clear: full marks in class tests, outstanding results in exams, and recognition from teachers and classmates who were amazed at her growth.
In April 2023, when she traveled to Delhi, Ma’am Ayushi and Sir Siddharth came to the railway station to see her off, bringing her a gift — a puzzle game she still cherishes. These moments reflect how deeply the BTF teachers care, not just about results, but about the child as a whole.
Hethal’s ambitions don’t stop at academics. She first dreamed of joining the army, but after learning about the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), she set her sights even higher.
> “IAS officers can do even more for society. My parents and I both want me to become one,” she says with a spark in her eyes.
She also wants to come back and teach at BTF when she’s in college, giving back to the very place that shaped her. She’s already started — tutoring her younger cousin using a blackboard at home and applying the same creative methods she learned at BTF.
Importantly, Hethal believes and expects that BTF will continue to support her in reaching her dream of becoming an IAS officer. She sees the Foundation not only as a place of learning but also as a lifelong partner in her journey toward success.
A multi-talented girl, Hethal enjoys Bharatanatyam, western dance, drawing, painting, and skipping. The only child of her parents, she is growing into not just a brilliant student, but also a confident and compassionate young leader.
Hethal’s story is more than just academic success — it’s about opportunity, mentorship, and transformation. With care, consistent guidance, and the right environment, she has not only topped her class but discovered her voice, her goals, and her passion for teaching.
At Boddhi Tree Foundation, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential. Hethal is living proof that education can change lives — and one life can light the way for many others.
