About 15 years ago, IDS provided initial funding to Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) to support girls’ education in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh.

When the school first began, only a handful of girls attended. Many parents were reluctant to send their daughters to school, reflecting the social and economic barriers faced by girls in rural communities.

PPES found creative ways to encourage families to keep their daughters in school. Among its initiatives was a savings program in which an account was opened in a girl’s name. The savings, along with interest, could be accessed when she remained in school and graduated.

The goal was bigger than simply getting girls into a classroom. It was about helping families see education as an investment in their daughters’ futures.

Sadhana is one of the young women whose journey reflects the possibilities created by an education that goes beyond the classroom.

As a PPES student, Sadhana developed her passion and talent for basketball while continuing her education. Through access to sports, coaching and encouragement, basketball became more than an extracurricular activity: it became an opportunity to build confidence, discipline and ambition.

Her hard work eventually took her to an international stage, where she had the opportunity to represent India.

Sadhana represented India at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

She helped India reach the semi-finals, with the team finishing fourth in the tournament. Sadhana scored 18 points across the tournament.

For a young woman who began her journey at a school serving girls in a remote rural community, representing India on an international basketball stage is a remarkable achievement.

Sadhana’s achievement is inspiring on its own. But the larger story is about the opportunities that made that achievement possible.

Education gives girls the foundation to build a future. Skills give them greater choices. Sports can build confidence, teamwork and resilience. And supportive communities can help young women imagine possibilities that may once have seemed out of reach.

Sadhana’s journey is one example of the lasting impact that can emerge when girls are given access to education, encouragement and opportunity over time.

IDS is proud to have supported PPES at the beginning of this journey and to see the impact continue through students like Sadhana.

Her story reminds us that meaningful change does not happen overnight. It grows through sustained investment, committed local partners and opportunities that allow young people to discover what they are capable of.