Transforming Lives Through Opportunity:
The Success Stories of Second Chance School Alumni
Ritinjali, meaning ‘helping hands’ in Sanskrit, has been committed to empowering marginalised communities through education and skill development for nearly three decades. One of its most impactful initiatives, the Second Chance School is a residential and day school programme designed to equip disadvantaged youth (aged 18–24) with the education, skills, and confidence needed to overcome socio-economic challenges and build a self-reliant future.
In India, millions of youth face barriers to education, unstable employment, and financial insecurity, leaving them trapped in daily wage labour or joblessness. Many of these young men come from impoverished backgrounds, facing discrimination and exploitation. Without structured intervention, their potential remains untapped, and their dreams remain distant.
The Second Chance School bridges this gap by offering a structured a learning journey that reintegrates young men into society with wholistic education, vocational training, and professional exposure.
Since its inception, the Second Chance School programme has transformed the lives of hundreds of young men, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to break free from cycles of poverty and financial insecurity. In 2023-24 alone, the programme enrolled 49 young men from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, as well as Tibetan refugees, providing them with education, vocational training, and mentorship. It helped nine students secure full-time jobs in IT, hospitality, and technical trades. Additionally, 19 students received technical education scholarships in fields such as healthcare, IT, hospitality, and apparel technology, while others benefited from entrepreneurial training and seed funding, enabling them to start their own businesses. Beyond education and employment, the Second Chance School programme has also fostered a strong alumni network, offering ongoing mentorship and career guidance, ensuring that its graduates continue to thrive long after completing the programme.
Located in Mahipalpur, Delhi, the programme welcomes students from across India, many of whom have never completed formal schooling. At Second Chance School, they find a nurturing and structured environment that not only supports their education but also helps them develop life skills, self-confidence, and clear career pathways.
Through individualised career planning, peer networks, tailored courses, mentorship, and continuous support, Second Chance School ensures that its students graduate as skilled, independent professionals ready to build successful lives. The programme doesn’t just educate—it transforms futures by empowering young men to become self-reliant, contribute to their communities, and inspire others.
This article showcases the inspiring journeys of Second Chance School alumni, who, despite overwhelming challenges, have risen to success through education, skill-building, and resilience. Their stories are a testament to the life-changing power of second chances—proving that, with the right support, every young person can rewrite their future.
Virender Kumar
Virender Kumar’s journey from a daily wage labourer in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh, to a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry is a compelling story of resilience, ambition, and transformation. Faced with early hardships, including the loss of his father and the immense responsibility of supporting a family of six from a young age, Virender’s path was filled with challenges. Initially working as a construction site labourer and a storekeeper, his life took a pivotal turn when he learnt about Ritinjali’s Second Chance School from an alumnus.
Determined to pursue further education and improve his circumstances, Virender enrolled in Ritinjali SCS in August 2016. There, he not only completed his Class 12 through NIOS but also graduated from IGNOU Delhi, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Understanding the importance of vocational training, he immersed himself in various courses, including Apparel Manufacturing Technology, Sampling Coordination, and Fashion Technology at the Apparel Training and Design Centre. His creativity and enthusiasm for learning were further evident as he successfully completed a Work and Life Readiness Programme with the Pallavan Institute of Actualising Individual Potential, a computer application course, and a NIOS Cutting and Tailoring course.
The turning point in Virender’s journey came when he secured an internship at The Oberoi Gurgaon, where he gained invaluable experience over six months before being offered a permanent position. He spent two years at the hotel, gaining essential industry exposure. However, his true passion lay in the fashion sector, which led him to study Apparel Manufacturing Technology at Ritinjali and secure a position as a Merchandiser at Orient Craft in Gurgaon. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, disrupted his progress, leading to job loss. Yet, Virender’s resilience and determination shone through as he adapted, taking on various roles in clothing and accessories manufacturing, leather technology, and home furnishing.
Fuelled by a strong entrepreneurial drive, Virender participated in the Pahal 2023 entrepreneurship programme, competing against eight other participants to pitch his innovative business idea—crafting and selling bespoke, handcrafted accessories for men and women. He refined his pitch, enhancing its quality, research, and business strategy. Through mentorship in sustainability, budgeting, and revenue forecasting, he won the competition, securing ₹250,000 in seed funding to launch his venture. Today, Virender not only sources and sells handcrafted accessories and ethnic apparel but has also established his own workspace in Shahpur Jat. His business has created employment opportunities, with three full-time employees now working under him.
Virender Kumar’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship in uplifting individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. His journey—from a daily wage labourer to a successful entrepreneur—embodies perseverance, creativity, and the impact of second chances. Through Ritinjali’s Second Chance School and his relentless determination, Virender has not only transformed his own life but has also become an inspiration for others in similar circumstances, proving that with education, support, and resilience, overcoming adversity and achieving success is truly possible.
Hemant Kumar
Hemant Kumar’s journey from an unemployed youth to a skilled electrician and successful entrepreneur is a testament to determination, hard work, and the transformative power of education and mentorship. Born and raised in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, Hemant faced the harsh reality of unemployment after completing his higher secondary education. However, his life took a significant turn when he joined Ritinjali’s Second Chance School in November 2017.
At Second Chance School, Hemant embarked on a comprehensive and practical learning journey, equipping himself with skills crucial for his future. He enrolled in the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) courses, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in electrical work, which became the foundation of his career. Beyond technical expertise, he also underwent classroom training in computer applications, spoken English, and vocational courses from the National Council of Vocational Training, significantly enhancing his employability and communication skills. His commitment to education did not stop there—he simultaneously completed his graduation from IGNOU, demonstrating his dedication and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Hemant’s progress at Second Chance School was marked by significant milestones that prepared him for the professional world. After completing his training and education, he secured his first job as an electrician at Point Blank in Hauz Khas, Delhi, in March 2020. This was a pivotal moment in his journey, marking his transition from unemployment to becoming a skilled professional. At Point Blank, he further honed his expertise, gaining hands-on experience with CCTV systems and electrical equipment—skills that would later form the foundation of his entrepreneurial venture.
Hemant’s ambition and drive to succeed led him to participate in the Pahal entrepreneurship programme implemented by Ritinjali. Here, he presented his business idea—opening an electrical shop specialising in wholesale, repair services, and security solutions through CCTV cameras. Competing against eight other participants in a pitchfest, his idea was shortlisted. He refined his business plan, integrating valuable feedback and leveraging his existing expertise in the field. His persistence and well-structured proposal earned him ₹250,000 in seed funding in the 2023 edition of Pahal, enabling him to turn his vision into reality.
Today, Hemant runs a thriving business in Mandawar village, near his hometown of Jhalawar. His electrical and security solutions shop has not only provided him with financial stability but has also contributed to the local economy by employing local youth. In addition to running his business, he continues to work as an electrician at Pallavan School in Jhalawar, taking on various part-time projects to expand his expertise. His ultimate goal is to create more employment opportunities within his community.
Hemant Kumar’s story is a powerful example of how access to education, skill development, and mentorship can change lives. From struggling with unemployment to becoming a skilled electrician and a successful entrepreneur, his journey proves that with determination, perseverance, and the right support system, one can overcome challenges and achieve success. His story is a shining example of the impact of initiatives like Ritinjali’s Second Chance School and the Pahal entrepreneurship programme, which continue to empower individuals, transform lives, and uplift communities.
Brijesh Yadav
Financial hardship forced Brijesh Yadav to leave his remote village in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, and migrate to Noida in 2015, taking up a security guard job to support his family of seven. Despite his love for learning and aspirations for a respectable career, he had to abandon further education after Class 12. Working 12 to 16-hour shifts, his dream of higher education seemed increasingly out of reach.
A chance encounter with a Second Chance School alumnus introduced Brijesh to Ritinjali’s transformative programme, reigniting his passion for learning. He enrolled at Second Chance School, though initially uncertain about his career path and under pressure to earn. He joined the ‘Work and Life Readiness’ programme with the Pallavan Institute of Actualising Individual Potential, where he developed communication, IT, and life skills. He also explored creative expression through theatre, performing in So What?, a play tackling body image issues.
Through classroom training, Brijesh discovered two key interests—joining the Indian Army and computers. Although a lack of vacancies prevented his army enlistment, he pivoted to technical education in computer hardware and software, excelling in NIOS exams. His diligence earned him an internship at Le Meridien, Gurgaon, where he managed 176 computer systems under a hardware expert.
After completing his training and internship, Brijesh secured a job as a Computer Support Engineer at Micromax, Gurgaon, achieving financial independence by 2018. Staying engaged with Ritinjali’s alumni network, he later joined the 2020–21 entrepreneurship programme, which supported alumni in launching businesses post-Covid.
Selected among five finalists, Brijesh pitched a ‘Door-to-Door Laptop Repair Service’, refining his business plan through mentoring, market research, and financial planning. After three rounds of presentations, he was awarded ₹2,10,230 in seed funding, enabling him to successfully launch his business. Today, Brijesh has built a thriving enterprise, proving that with the right support, resilience, and vision, success is always within reach.