Aadya's Story: How an 8-Year-Old Started a Scholarship for Girls

How old do you have to be to change someone's life? If you ask Aadya Sharma, the answer is simple: any age at all.

Aadya is a young changemaker from Bengaluru – an artist, a published author and a budding model. When she was just 8 years old, she did something most adults only talk about. She took her own savings, earned through her art and creative work, and started a scholarship for girls who might otherwise have to leave school. Today, the Aadya Scholarship Kind Circle is helping girls stay in class – and showing everyone that kindness has no age.

A heart for giving, from the very start

Aadya's giving began even earlier. At the age of five, she raised funds through her drawings for COVID-19 relief. Since then, she has continued to donate her publishing honorariums to charity. For her, giving is not a one-time gesture – it is part of who she is.

When her family looked for a way to turn her generosity into something lasting, they chose Kind Circle, where anyone can start a named scholarship without setting up a trust or NGO. And so, in 2024, the Aadya Scholarship Kind Circle was born.

Why girls in Classes 9 and 10?

Classes 9 and 10 are a turning point. Across India, this is when many girls from struggling families are pulled out of school – to save money, to help at home, or because the family has lost an earning member. A small amount of support at this moment can be the difference between a girl finishing school and a girl giving up on her education.

Aadya chose to stand with these girls.

The scholarship at a glance

• For: girls studying in Class 9 or Class 10 at a government or private school in India
• Marks: at least 60% in the previous class
• Family income: below ₹3 lakh a year
• Preference: girls who have lost a parent or an earning family member
• Amount: ₹5,400 per scholar per year, which can help with fees, books, school supplies and uniforms
• Renewal: possible each year, based on the scholar's progress and available funds

The impact so far

Aadya's circle has raised ₹50,000 and has already supported its first four scholars, with ₹21,600 disbursed directly towards their education. Every rupee is tracked on the circle page, so Aadya – and anyone who contributes – can see exactly where the money went.

Four girls may sound like a small number. But for each of those girls, it means a full year of school without the fear of dropping out. And it all began with one child deciding to share what she had.

What Aadya's story teaches us

• You do not need to be rich to start a scholarship. Aadya began with her own savings.
• Leadership and generosity can begin early. Children can lead real change when adults make room for them.
• Transparency builds trust. Kind Circle lets every donor follow the impact of their giving.
• Small acts add up. Every contribution to the circle helps one more girl stay in school.

As Kind Circle's youngest donor, Aadya shows families everywhere a different way to think about giving. Watch her story on the Kind Circle homepage.

For parents: raising a giving child

Many parents ask how they can help their own children build a habit of kindness. Here are a few ideas inspired by Aadya:

• Let children set aside part of their pocket money, prize money or earnings for a cause they choose.
• Start a small family scholarship together and involve your child in reading the scholars' stories and updates.
• Celebrate birthdays by giving – ask friends and family to contribute to a scholarship instead of buying gifts.
• Talk openly about why education matters and how lucky we are to have it.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child really start a scholarship on Kind Circle?
Yes, with a parent or guardian. The parent manages the circle formally, while the child can choose the cause, read scholar updates and stay involved in decisions.

How are the girls selected?
Applications come through Buddy4Study. Each applicant's marks, family income and documents are verified before the final scholars are approved.

How is the money paid?
The scholarship is paid directly towards the girl's education, and every disbursal is shown on the circle page.

Can I give a small amount?
Yes. Every contribution, however small, helps another girl stay in school. All donors receive an official receipt from Buddy4Study India Foundation, registered under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.

Join Aadya's circle

You can help more girls stay in school:

• Donate to the Aadya Scholarship Kind Circle
• Share Aadya's story with your family and friends
• Nominate a girl who needs support to continue her studies

Or, like Aadya, start something of your own. A Family Kind Circle lets you build a scholarship in your family's name – and lets your children grow up seeing what kindness can do. Start your scholarship today.