After Scholarship, Washerwoman’s Daughter scores 95%: Lucknow’s Deepali Kannoujia Scripts Inspiring CBSE Success Story

Lucknow: In a story that underlines grit, resilience, and the transformative power of education, Deepali Kannoujia has scored an impressive 95.2% in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations, rising above financial hardships and social barriers.

The daughter of a washerwoman, Deepali’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to perseverance. A student of Study Hall School, she had already made headlines in 2024 after being selected for the prestigious Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme run by the U.S. Department of State. She returned to India in June last year after completing the programme.

“This journey has taught me that where you come from does not define where you can go,” Deepali said, reflecting on her academic and personal growth. “Every opportunity pushed me to dream bigger and work harder.”

Her subject-wise scores reflect consistent excellence—97 in Computer Science, 96 in Science, 95 each in Hindi and Social Science, and 93 in English.

Deepali’s journey has been anything but easy. Living in a one-room rented house in Gomtinagar’s Vishwas Khand, she not only focused on her studies but also taught younger children to support her mother, Suman, in running the household. Her father, a washerman, is currently bedridden following a leg surgery, adding to the family’s financial challenges.

“I am very happy and proud of my daughter. She has worked very hard for this,” said her mother, expressing both relief and joy at her daughter’s success.

Deepali’s educational journey began at Prerna Girls School, a unit of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), where she enrolled in 2013. Within a year, her potential earned her a scholarship to Study Hall School.

Founder and CEO of SHEF, Urvashi Sahni, praised Deepali’s journey, stating, “It reflects what becomes possible when girls are encouraged not just to learn, but to question, challenge, and claim their rightful place in the world.”

Her teachers describe her as disciplined, resilient, and deeply committed to learning. The international exposure through the YES Programme further broadened her horizons, shaping her confidence and worldview.

Principal of Prerna Girls School, Rakhee Panjwani, said, “Deepali’s journey is inspiring for every girl. Her achievements show what students can accomplish when given the right opportunities.”

The youngest among four siblings, Deepali’s story stands as a powerful reminder that determination, coupled with support and opportunity, can help break cycles of hardship.

As she celebrates this milestone, her journey continues to inspire countless students across the country—proving that ambition, when nurtured, can rise above even the toughest circumstances.