Since 2004, Vimukti Sanstha has developed from 20 students to over 600, with 60% of their graduates pursuing higher education and 27% employed.

It was recently selected as one of 25 changemakers in India in Badlaav Humse Hai-Season 2 - an initiative by CNBC TV18 and AU Bank to showcase remarkable humanitarian efforts of India's lesser-known drivers for change.

I visited the school in January to discus mentorship, creative hurdles and motherhood with pupils in years 9-12, and also to answer questions and listen to the barriers they themselves face (pictured).

Next, I returned to lead a still life class looking at pencil drawings for use in the ancient art of block printing. With a vase full of roses, carnations and orchids, it was fascinating to witness how the class interpreted the brief, some very true to life with other more abstract interpretations. Thank you not only for being such talented, brilliant pupils but for accommodating my daughters too!

Thank you to Jai Mahal Palace for the flowers for this art class. I hate waste so it was wonderful to re-use the flowers from a recent wedding. Now they are recorded forever in the girls’ drawings too!

This spring, the school begins construction of a new state-of-the-art school for 1,200 pupils over 4 floors. You can donate to this project or sponsor a pupil for the year too.