Arvind Kori

All about grit and determination

14-year-old Arvind Kori was all of seven when he decided to join the English and Math classes offered by Angel Xpress in Santacruz. The decision was entirely his own, says his father, Jagdev Kori. Having relocated from the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, young Arvind felt that he was unable to compete with his peers especially in English and Math. “I felt inferior as I couldn’t understand and speak English. The education that I got in the village was below standard,” says Arvind in fluent English, the credit for which he gives to his teachers at Angel Xpress. “The reason I have been able to learn so well is because the teachers teach me with a lot of love and affection, they never reprimanded me,” he adds. From someone who struggled to pass in English and Math, Arvind has now crossed the 80% threshold.

Angel Xpress surely gives him the much-needed emotional support that most teenagers of his age need. His favourite is his teacher, Tushita Agrawal, who he knows is always there for him. “My teachers at school were at time unfair. When I shared this with Tushita Miss, she actually went to school and spoke to the teachers and sorted it out.”

From a shy and introvert child, Arvind, according to his father, has blossomed into a confident youth. The confidence he has got from the three hours he spends at Angel Xpress every day has made him multi-faceted. He has set up his own Kabaddi team and often plays against the various local teams in Mumbai. He is an ardent supporter of the Patna Pirates, three-time champions of the Pro Kabaddi League. Arvind’s newest passion is Bollywood dancing. He has enrolled himself in a dance class where he goes after school three days a week.

I want to be an architect

The 14-year-old wants neither wants to take up Kabaddi or dance as his profession. His professional goal is to become an architect, and his role model is a volunteer at Angel Xpress, Dhruti who is an architect by profession. “Dhruti Miss has promised to guide me,” grins Arvind.

There is immense pride in the eyes of Arvind’s father, Jagdev. He was the first one in his family to get an education. After having completed his graduation from MMK College in Mumbai, Jagdev’s sole dream has been to ensure that his children get a good education and pursue lucrative careers. As he sees his dream being fulfilled, he has immense gratitude for the team of teachers at Angel Xpress.