Hope on wheels: the story of Meera, a young participant in the Smiling Bus

Smiling Bus: hope on wheels

On the streets of Bandhup, one of Mumbai’s neighborhoods, lives Meera, an 18-year-old whose life changed forever the day she became a part of the Smiling Bus, our Organization’s bus that brings education, support and hope to children in the city’s most disadvantaged communities.

Meera was born in a small town in the state of Maharashtra. Her family moved to Mumbai seeking a better life, but reality was harsh: her father works as a security guard, her mother as a domestic worker and it’s difficult to meet ends. While can barely cover basic expenses domestic violence made the days even harder.

“My father drank and often argued with my mother,” Meera recalls. “Sometimes I thought there was no way out.”

But everything began to change when the Smiling Bus visited her community for the first time. That bus with its pink lettering, full of books, smiles, and people willing to listen, became a refuge for Meera. There she found not only a place to learn, but also a safe space where she felt valued.

One push which changed her life

Since joining the project in 2019, Meera and her sister have received scholarships for their studies, participated in tutoring, Life Skills Empowerment program sessions and activities in our children’s parliament. They also received food and care during the pandemic, when they were left with nothing. But even more important has been the role of Mumbai Smiles in supporting her entire family to improve their relationships. This included working with her father to stop his violent behavior and fostering better relationships within the family.

Thanks to our organization, Meera is able to continue her schooling. Today, she is in 12th grade at Sandesh College and dreams of becoming a teacher so she can inspire other girls like herself.

“Before, I was very shy and used to get angry easily,” she says. “But the Smiling Bus team has taught me to control my temper, to believe in myself and not to give up. Now I know I can achieve my goals.”

A bus that transforms lives

Meera’s transformation is not the only case. Every stop on the Smiling Bus brings education, emotional support and opportunities to children who would otherwise be left out of the education system. It’s important to remember that behind every smile is a story of resilience, struggle and hope. Stories like Meera’s show us why it’s so important to continue working for the rights and opportunities of Mumbai’s most vulnerable communities.

With your support, more young people like Meera can transform their future. 👉 Discover how to collaborate with Mumbai Smiles