Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
In the middle of Dadar’s flower market, eight-year-old Thanushka Thatte sits on the pavement, reading quietly. It’s not just a corner of the footpath — it’s where she builds her future.
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
Her home is a tarpaulin-covered stall. Her desk? An old wooden bench. But that hasn’t stopped her from chasing a dream, one chapter, one flower basket at a time.
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
After helping her parents set up for the day, Thanushka rushes to school. She just topped her class — first rank, no tuition, no room, just grit.
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
Her ponytails are tied neatly, red ribbons in place. Uniform spotless. Even after a long day on the street, she’s always perfectly turned out, head held high.
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar
Her mother sells flowers and cleans a clinic to pay for books. Her father sets up their stall early each morning. They don’t have much, but they give her everything that matters.
Thanushka wants to be a teacher one day — “so I can help kids like me.” Her dreams are big, but her heart is even bigger. She knows what struggle looks like, and still chooses hope.
Since her story went viral, people have been visiting Thanushka with gifts of books and school supplies. Her quiet corner on the footpath is now a place of shared hope and support.
An anonymous donor even gave her a cheque of Rs one lakh to help with studies. But the biggest gift? Knowing her dreams now feel a little more within reach—and she’s not alone on the journey.
Picture source: S L Shanth Kumar