Yashwant outside the Food for People facility in Bantoli, India.
In a remote, disadvantaged village in India, a young man’s life took a transformative turn thanks to The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) and its groundbreaking Food for People (FFP) program. This program, an initiative by Prem Rawat, is dedicated to alleviating poverty through nourishment and opportunity. Yashwant’s journey has since become a powerful TPRF Food for People success story, showing how nutrition and education can change a life.
Once struggling to meet basic needs, Yashwant found not only daily nutritious meals but also access to a computer learning facility. The opportunity ignited his passion for life and learning. It opened new doors and gave him the chance to transform his life.
Yashwant’s Story
In the small village of Bantoli, India, Yashwant’s days once began before sunrise. As a young student, he helped his parents in the agricultural fields – hauling water to mango orchards in the summer, tending crops after school, and working whenever extra money was needed. Many mornings, long before he ever reached the classroom, he was already exhausted.
The distance to school was six kilometers (close to four miles), and he walked each way. With inadequate nutrition, few clothes suited for the seasons, and ongoing financial pressure at home, attending school every day was difficult. Focusing on studies was harder still.
Yet even as a child, Yashwant held a spark – an inner desire to learn, to improve, to dream beyond the immediate challenges around him.
That spark found a place to grow when he first learned about TPRF’s Food for People program. It was his cousin who had enthusiastically told him about the program when Yashwant was around nine years old. Years later, it would become the turning point of his life – and the beginning of a remarkable TPRF Food for People success story.
Yashwant passes by his pet cow as he carries water – and his family’s hope
Nourishment That Changed Everything
At age 15, Yashwant began visiting the FFP facility in Bantoli and attending the computer classes offered in partnership with the local Prem Sagar Foundation.
Reaching the facility from his home was not easy, but he persisted. He enrolled in the computer program, which welcomed him without requiring an exam, and he began receiving daily nutritious meals.
“Before I joined, my health was not good and I got irritated easily,” Yashwant notes. “But after getting the meals regularly, I felt stronger. My mind became sharper. Everything changed.” His school attendance rose to 99%, allowing him to excel academically and physically. With newfound energy and confidence, he became school captain, competed in athletics, and represented his school at the district level in the traditional Indian sport of KHO-KHO.
The meals, he said, didn’t just nourish him – they changed the atmosphere at school. Students were calmer, more focused, and kinder.
“Everyone’s behavior improved,” he observed. “The food made a difference in the whole community.”
A Love for Learning – and Leading
Fortuitously, computer classes quickly became one of Yashwant’s favorite focuses of study. He explored Microsoft Paint, learned Excel, and began studying artificial intelligence. With his growing confidence and dedication to academics, he won a school debate competition and earned second prize in a speech competition.
Yashwant evolved into roles of responsibility, and in Grade 10, he served as school captain helping organize schoolwide activities.
His curiosity grew into confidence. His confidence grew into leadership.
And soon came an even greater achievement: admission to the prestigious Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), one of India’s top residential school systems.
Yashwant and classmates display computer studies certificates at the Food for People facility, Bantoli.
A Scholarship and a New World of Opportunity
Gaining admission to JNV was not easy. Document challenges, long travel distances, and uncertainty stood in the way. But Yashwant persevered – supported by the nutrition and education he had received through TPRF initiatives.
At JNV, he now receives everything he needs to pursue his studies – uniforms, books, sports equipment and a strong academic environment. His parents, once worried about how to support his education, are relieved and proud.
“They don’t have tension anymore,” he said. “And they know I am being taken care of so they can do their work without worry.”
Now studying science, Yashwant dreams of contributing to India’s progress through AI, website development and app design. One of his ideas is to build an AI-based “Family Memory App,” an idea born from his own emotional reflections on family legacy.
Giving Back – and Looking Forward
As a Food for People success story, Yashwant inspires the community around him. When asked what message he wanted to share with other young people, Yashwant did not hesitate:
“Keep hope. Work hard. Everything is possible. I was once a lazy student, and now my dreams are happening because of the Food for People program.”
He hopes one day to use his skills to create jobs in his village and support others the way he has been supported.
Yashwant also expressed deep gratitude for TPRF supporters, whose generosity made his journey possible. It is this generosity and compassion that is creating the potential for so many more TPRF Food for People success stories.
A Life Transformed
Yashwant went from a boy walking miles to school with an empty stomach, to a confident young leader studying at one of India’s premier schools. His journey is a testament to what can happen when nutritious food, educational opportunities and a caring community come together.
Today, Yashwant stands as an example of resilience, possibility, and hope.
For everyone who supports the Food for People program, his message is simple and sincere:
“Thank you. You gave me a chance to change my life.”
Yashwant with family outside his home.
Help TPRF Keep Feeding Hope and Changing Lives
Throughout December, you have an opportunity to help change the lives of so many more children by supporting the Food for People program during the Igniting Passion fundraising appeal.
The Food for People program has provided over 8.3 million meals and reached thousands of children and families in Ghana, India, South Africa and Nepal, breaking the chains of hunger and unlocking the doors to education, health and self-sufficiency.
However, none of this is possible without the compassion and generosity of donors like you.
Thank you so much!
Enjoy more inspiring Food for People success stories:
Watch a video of Prem Rawat’s visit to the FFP facility in Bantoli, India here:
