Mrs. Aakriti Panchal, a dedicated Level-2 teacher at Government Upper Primary School, Mandwa Ghodi (PEEO Nichla Mandwa, Rishabhdev Block), has been committed to shaping young lives since 2018. Her journey as an educator took a meaningful turn when she served as a State Resource Group (SRG) member in the Rishabhdev Block—a role that deepened her insights into student engagement and inclusive education.
Aakriti’s approach to teaching was significantly enriched by six powerful comic books developed by VANI Sanstha, which became transformative tools in her classroom. These comics address real-life social issues and challenges students often face, making them highly relatable and impactful.
“These six comic books have deeply influenced me because they address issues closely tied to our society and students’ lives,” Aakriti shares.
One of the most moving outcomes of her efforts emerged through her work with Vanshika, a seventh-grade student who once struggled with low self-esteem. With her parents often away and all household responsibilities falling on her shoulders, Vanshika could neither dress neatly nor groom herself well. She wore old clothes, and her hair remained unkempt—circumstances that led to social exclusion from her classmates, making her dread coming to school.
Mrs. Aakriti Panchal recognized Vanshika’s challenges and decided to intervene thoughtfully. She incorporated role-play activities during Saturday sessions using the VANI Sanstha comics, specifically choosing stories that highlighted empathy, self-worth, and respect. One day, she used a comic to explain to the class that Vanshika’s daily struggle to come to school—despite her responsibilities at home—was a remarkable strength in itself.
“I successfully helped establish her identity in the classroom. Today, her classmates have a positive and respectful attitude toward her,” says Aakriti.
This intervention sparked a noticeable shift. The class began seeing Vanshika not for her appearance but for her determination and inner strength. As a result, her peers started treating her with respect and including her in their activities. Vanshika, in turn, began attending school regularly, talking with classmates, and even finding time for self-care.
“I like coming to school now,”
Vanshika says, with a newfound smile.
Mrs. Panchal reflects on the broader issue, noting:
“Many children in the classroom behave like Vanshika. At this age, they are like half-bloomed flowers—neither fully mature nor completely naive. This is when their thoughts and emotions begin to take shape. If guided properly, we can prevent serious consequences like depression and even suicide. That’s what inspires my work—to teach children the art of living and help them stand in society with confidence and a positive mindset.”
These comic books are not only effective for girls but suitable for all genders, making them an excellent resource for co-curricular activities. Mrs. Panchal emphasizes the importance of these sessions in fostering awareness about equality and equal opportunity. A major theme tackled is body shaming—a prevalent issue that deeply affects student confidence. Through the comics, students learn to move beyond superficial judgments and instead focus on each other’s qualities, talents, and kindness.
“This transformation isn’t complete, but a gradual change is visible. Students are beginning to appreciate each other’s abilities instead of judging by appearance. This is just the beginning, and I believe this mindset will grow stronger over time.”
Through her empathy, creativity, and thoughtful use of VANI Sanstha’s comic books, Mrs. Aakriti Panchal has brought about a meaningful transformation—not just in Vanshika’s life, but in the hearts and minds of an entire classroom.