Dr. Deshpande began by detailing the early challenges of scaling Akshaya Patra from a small, nascent effort to a massive, well-funded organization. He emphasized that growing a nonprofit, much like a for-profit company, requires strategic investment.

This insight was summarized when he stated, “Raising money for a nonprofit to scale the organization is quite an art.”

Clinton is taken on a tour of the school by Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman, Akshaya Patra Foundation and Gururaj Deshpande, Board Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA. Photo credit: Clinton Foundation/ Barbara Kinney

He expanded on the initial skepticism from the board regarding fundraising costs, explaining their difficulty in accepting that money meant for feeding children could be used for overhead: “They just couldn’t comprehend how when somebody gives you money to feed a child, you can actually use that to print brochures.” Dr. Deshpande and his wife, Jayshree, personally funded the first few years of fundraising operations to prove its value. This commitment has paid off, as Akshaya Patra is now a thousand-crore operation. He proudly stated, “You’ll be very proud to know that Akshay Pathra last year was a thousand-crore operation in India.” He also noted that most support is now local: “The other proud part of it is that 90% of those funds come from within India.”

The core of Dr. Deshpande’s message centered on the fundamental difference between the for-profit and non-profit sectors and how Akshaya Patra successfully bridges this gap.

He explained that for-profit companies must prioritize efficiency to survive: “Execution excellence is given in the for-profit because if you serve bad masala dosa for two days, you’re out of business.” Conversely, nonprofits, while founded on empathy, often lack this rigor.

Dr. Deshpande highlighted this critical distinction by noting the challenge of the sector: “Bringing execution excellence to these nonprofit organizations is a particularly challenging task.”

Dr. Desh Deshpande, Akshaya Patra Board Chair, addressing Akshaya Patra supporters at the 4th Annual Akshaya Patra Gala in South Florida

He praised the organization’s approach, noting that the brilliance lies not in complex technology but in discipline: “But it’s just doing the simple things with the rigor of running a business, which is the magic here.” Visiting the kitchens, he said, is a revelation: “As a result of that, when you go and see these kitchens, it’ll just blow your mind away because that’s not what you expect from a nonprofit.” He reinforced the amazing scale of the operation by stating, “Serving 2.2 million meals and 1 million breakfasts every day without ever missing a meal for a child is just an amazing accomplishment. We can all be very proud that it has served more than 5 billion meals.” 

Furthermore, he mentioned the strict quality control required for safety: “And the food has to be delivered at about 65 degrees centigrade because that’s the temperature at which the food is safe.”

Dr. Deshpande underscored the organization’s potential as a template for tackling hunger worldwide, emphasizing its role as an international success story.

He underlined this importance: “Akshay Pathra is really becoming a role model for a lot of countries because it has clearly shown what’s possible…” 

Akshay Pathra has taught a leader of a Kenyan non-profit organization, and they’re building kitchens, and they’re serving almost half a million meals a day to children. Similarly, Akshay Pathra is teaching a nonprofit organization in Sri Lanka and in Indonesia. So Akshay Pathra is really becoming a role model for a lot of countries because it has clearly shown what’s possible…

Dr. Deshpande credited the organization’s success to its foundational balance: “It really combines the combination of this execution excellence with the compassion.” 

Dr. Desh Deshpande, Akshaya Patra Board Chair; co-chairs of the Akshaya Patra South Florida chapter, Mrs. Printi Maheshvari and Dr. Narendra Maheshvari; and Navin Goel, CEO of Akshaya Patra USA

Sharing an anecdote about President Bill Clinton, he noted how impressed a former world leader was by the operation: “President Clinton wanted to go and see it. I took him to a Jaipur kitchen. He was blown away.” Ultimately, he concluded, this magnificent work requires both a powerful model and great leadership: “That’s the beauty of India. India now is here to actually do something that’s so magnificent.”

Dr. Desh Deshpande, Akshaya Patra Board Chair, addressing Akshaya Patra supporters at the 4th Annual Akshaya Patra Gala in South Florida

Dr. Desh Deshpande, Akshaya Patra Board Chair; co-chairs of the Akshaya Patra South Florida chapter, Mrs. Printi Maheshvari and Dr. Narendra Maheshvari; and Navin Goel, CEO of Akshaya Patra USA.

Clinton is taken on a tour of the school by Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman, Akshaya Patra Foundation and Gururaj Deshpande, Board Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA. Photo credit: Clinton Foundation/ Barbara Kinney

One-on-one conversation with Shri Navin Goel Ji, CEO of Akshaya Patra USA

By Raj Shah

Question: How long has Akshaya Patra been in operation in India?
Answer: Since June 2000 in Bengaluru, which makes it 25 years as of 2025.

Question: Whose brainchild is Akshaya Patra?
Answer: The program was founded by Madhu Pandit Dasa in 2000, inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s call that no one within ten miles of a temple should go hungry. 

Question: What does Akshaya Patra mean and who came up with this name?
Answer: Akshaya Patra means “inexhaustible vessel,” named after the legendary vessel in the Mahabharata that provided an unending supply of food. The foundation adopted this name to reflect that ideal.

Question: How many kitchens and food trucks are there in India which are created by Akshaya Patra and how many Children get their Midday meal everyday?
Answer: As of 2025, Akshaya Patra has inaugurated its 78th centralised kitchen and serves meals to about 2.2 to 2.35 million children on school days, across roughly 24,000+ schools. Its delivery fleet is 2,200 plus vehicles that run more than 1,500 daily routes.

Question: How long has Akshaya Patra USA been in operation?
Answer: Akshaya Patra USA has operated since the early 2000s, with IRS recognition as a 501[c][3] in June 2004.

Question: How many Akshaya Patra chapters are there in the U.S., and approximately how many children receive their midday meal from the Akshaya Patra USA efforts? How many kitchens and food trucks are funded by Akshaya Patra USA?
Answer: Akshaya Patra USA works through a nationwide network of volunteer chapters across major U.S. cities [more than 35, spanning coasts]. U.S. chapters raise funds that support the overall program serving about 2.35 million children daily in India. U.S. donors also fund capital projects such as kitchens and delivery vehicles, for example the centrally funded Chikkajala, Bengaluru kitchen that launched in 2024. 

Question: What have been some key milestones for Akshaya Patra USA in its own journey—both in terms of fundraising and community engagement? (I am going to print excerpts of Dr. DeshPande’s speech. But we would like to hear from you.)
Answer: Highlights include the United Nations event in New York marking the 4 billion meals milestone in April 2024, chapter galas across the country that continue to raise significant funds, and expanding community initiatives such as food recovery & cause marketing partnerships in U.S. cities.Over last 5 years we doubled the number of families supporting us from 20k to 40k.

Question: Looking back to 2000, when Akshaya Patra began with just 1,500 meals in Bengaluru, what emotions or reflections come to mind as you celebrate 25 years and over 4 billion meals served?
Answer: Pride in a proven model, gratitude to partners and donors, and renewed urgency, since classroom hunger persists even as the program has crossed 5 billion cumulative meals.

Question: How has the organization evolved operationally and strategically from a grassroots initiative in India to a globally recognized movement against hunger?
Answer: It scaled from five schools to thousands by building high-capacity “mega kitchens,” formalizing a public-private partnership with India’s PM POSHAN programme, and creating overseas affiliates in the U.S. and U.K. to broaden funding and advocacy.

Question: The scale of operations today is staggering. What are the biggest logistical or technological innovations that have made it possible to feed millions efficiently every day?
Answer: Centralized automated kitchens, SAP and ERP integrated operations, GPS and GPRS vehicle tracking, route optimization, insulated food-grade vessels, and a strict four-hour cook-to-consumption standard. Recent work adds AI-assisted logistics across a fleet of 2,200 plus vehicles.

Question: How does Akshaya Patra ensure the nutritional quality and cultural sensitivity of the meals served across such diverse regions of India?
Answer: Menus are localized to regional palates, designed to meet PM POSHAN nutrition guidelines, and prepared in hygienic kitchens with quality checks. The organization also participates in national oversight bodies tied to the program.

Navin Goel’s Personal Journey

Question: You transitioned from a successful corporate career as an IIT graduate into the nonprofit sector. What inspired you to make that shift?
Answer: My journey was more a simple evolution of congruence in life with the vedic ideas of the 3rd Quartile of life.

Question: How has your corporate background influenced your leadership approach at Akshaya Patra USA?
Answer: Bringing some Quality, Excellence, and Productivity to an Organization with Heart, love, and Care.

Question: What were the biggest surprises or challenges you faced when moving from the corporate world to a mission-driven organization?
Answer: To see the passion and energy of our Akshaya Patra Volunteers. Their commitment was awe-inspiring.

Question: In these years at Akshaya Patra, what has been your most fulfilling personal moment or experience?
Answer: Being able to see the Kids Smile and enjoy the meals on one hand and on the other to meet the Alumni of our schools in all sorts of walks of life. Meeting passionate and committed people all across the world, coming together to be part of this mission.

Global Impact and Future Vision

Question: As Akshaya Patra marks its 25th anniversary, what do “the next 25 years” look like? Are there plans to expand beyond India or deepen work in education and nutrition? (Please tell us in your words how women from Kenya benefited from Akshaya Patra.)
Answer: Growth plans center on reaching more children in India under PM POSHAN, adding kitchens where governments invite partnership, and sharing know-how globally. In 2024 Akshaya Patra became the knowledge partner to Kenya’s Food4Education, a collaboration that helps local teams improve school feeding systems, which benefits girls and women who often shoulder caregiving and food preparation responsibilities.

Question: How does Akshaya Patra USA plan to engage the next generation of Indian-Americans, volunteers, and donors to sustain its mission?
Answer: By expanding chapter leadership opportunities, student (youth ambassadors) and young professional committees, and experiential events such as chapter outreach initiatives (walk-a-thons, musicals, information booths at local events, etc.) that pair community with measurable impact.

Question: What role do you see for technology and partnerships—with governments, corporates, or NGOs—in scaling the impact further?
Answer: Technology will keep improving kitchen throughput and last-mile logistics, for example AI AI-based route planning and IoT monitoring. Partnerships with governments anchor scale, while corporate and NGO partners contribute capital, tech, and expertise.

Question: With the recognition from Forbes India and increasing global visibility, how do you plan to leverage this moment to attract new supporters or collaborators?
Answer: Third party recognition and media visibility create a proof point that invites co investment. The plan is to package impact data for CSR teams, foundations and HNIs, and tie campaigns to concrete outcomes like kitchens, vehicles, and school-meal coverage. Note, for example, earlier Forbes India coverage placing Akshaya Patra among the top organizations for people management, which the organization has used in outreach.

Question: Finally, what message would you like to share with donors, volunteers, and well-wishers who have been part of the Akshaya Patra journey so far—and those who are yet to join?
Answer: Thank you for turning a simple idea into 5 billion plus meals and counting. Every kitchen, route, and serving exists because communities believe that a hot lunch keeps a child in class to build an educated, sustainable life. The next child is still waiting, and your time and gifts will reach them efficiently and transparently.

Briefly, please tell us something that we have not covered above in the Q&A.

Beyond India’s school meals, Akshaya Patra pilots innovations such as decentralised kitchens that train and employ local women, and partners in records like mass blackboard painting for education infrastructure, which shows how feeding programmes can catalyse broader community development.

This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, I am filled with deep pride and heartfelt gratitude. Over the last quarter century, Akshaya Patra has transformed from a humble initiative feeding just 1,500 children in Bengaluru to the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program — now serving over 2.35 million nutritious meals every single school day across India. It is an extraordinary journey of faith, service, and innovation — a living example of how compassion, when combined with vision and discipline, can change millions of lives.

The name Akshaya Patra — “the inexhaustible vessel” — beautifully captures the essence of this movement. What began as an act of devotion inspired by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has grown into a nationwide mission under the leadership of Madhu Pandit Dasa, Shridhar Venkat, and Dr. Desh Deshpande. Their tireless dedication, combined with the generosity of donors and volunteers, has built an organization that not only feeds children but also nourishes dreams.

For me personally, Akshaya Patra’s mission became even more meaningful after a deeply moving experience. My wife, Aruna, and I had the privilege of visiting the Akshaya Patra kitchen in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Witnessing firsthand how this state-of-the-art facility prepares thousands of fresh, hot, and nutritious meals every morning was awe-inspiring. The precision, hygiene, and efficiency of the operation are truly world-class — a perfect blend of technology and compassion.

What touched our hearts even more was the opportunity to serve lunch at a nearby school. Watching children line up with bright eyes and eager smiles as they received their hot meal was an unforgettable moment. As we handed out plates and saw the pure joy on their faces, we felt something profound — the realization that this is not just about food. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and hope. When a child eats a nourishing meal and can focus in class instead of worrying about hunger, the ripple effect on their education and future is immeasurable.

That day reaffirmed my belief that Akshaya Patra is one of the most worthy causes of our time. It stands at the intersection of compassion and education — feeding not just the body, but also the mind and spirit.

As Co-Chair of the South Florida Chapter, I’ve seen how passionately our community supports this mission. Our annual galas are more than just fundraising events; they are gatherings of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of giving. Together, we celebrate not only what Akshaya Patra has achieved but also what lies ahead — the vision to reach five million children daily and to ensure that no child in India ever goes hungry.

Aruna and I often reflect on that day in Ahmedabad — on the children’s laughter, their gratitude, and their simple happiness. Those smiles remind us why we do what we do. Feeding a child may seem like a small act, but in truth, it is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. As Akshaya Patra enters its next 25 years, let us all recommit ourselves to this noble mission — one meal, one child, one future at a time.

About Author Raj Shah
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of induism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.

Photo Courtesy: Akshaya Patra

When Shridhar Venkat Ji walked away from a promising corporate career in 2006, he was en route to China for a senior role in the private sector. Fate, however, had a different meal plan in mind. A chance meeting with ISKCON monk Madhu Pandit Dasa led him to the Akshaya Patra Foundation—a fledgling NGO serving 1,500 mid-day meals to school children in India. Nineteen years later, Venkat Ji presides over an organization that has become the world’s largest school meal provider, dishing out 2.35 million lunches and one million morning nutrition servings every single day across 25,000 government schools and Anganwadi centres in 16 states and three Union territories.

As Akshaya Patra marks its 25th anniversary on November 11 2025, Venkat Ji reflects on its journey over a simple sattvic lunch—without onion or garlic—offering stories that reveal the organization’s scale, soul, and quiet revolutions.

Mr Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation lends a hand at serving mid-day meals to the beneficiaries. Photo Courtesy: Akshaya Patra

From Boardroom to Bhakti

Venkat Ji describes his move from corporate India to the non-profit world as a leap of faith guided by purpose rather than profit. “When I joined, the development sector was still what I call a jhola culture—idealistic but unstructured,” he recalls. “I believed we could use corporate discipline and technology for good. So, we infused the organization with process-driven systems, performance metrics, and accountability—without losing the missionary spirit.”

This blend of professionalism and devotion, he says, remains Akshaya Patra’s “secret sauce.” The foundation’s management team today includes engineers, MBAs, and chefs working alongside monks and volunteers from ISKCON. “We have a confluence of missionaries and professionals,” Venkat Ji explains. “That combination—selflessness with systems—creates magic.”

Feeding with Dignity

Akshaya Patra’s central philosophy is simple but profound: “No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.” Venkat Ji elaborates, “We can’t match a mother’s meal, but we try to come close.”

The foundation adheres to government nutritional norms—12 grams of protein and 450 calories for primary school children, 20 grams and 700 calories for upper primary—but often exceeds them. Recognizing that many children arrive at school hungry, Akshaya Patra introduced a morning nutrition program now reaching a million children daily, supplementing the flagship mid-day meals.

Each of the foundation’s 67 kitchens functions like a high-efficiency food factory, governed by rigorous quality standards and audits. “We follow good manufacturing practices,” says Venkat Ji. “Every location has a quality officer. Donors like Mr. Ratan Tata have even supported our quality and reserve initiatives.”

Tata, he recalls, personally flew to the Hubli kitchen—then the world’s largest—and offered support in two areas: strengthening quality and building a financial reserve. “We are a hand-to-mouth organization,” Venkat Ji admits. “When funds are delayed, we still have to feed the children. A mother never says no to her child. Mr. Tata helped us create a revolving reserve to ensure the meals never stop.”

3 Billionth Meal Served by The Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the venue in Vrindavan

Public-Private Partnership Done Right

Over half of Akshaya Patra’s funding comes from the Indian government through the PM Poshan scheme, which Venkat Ji proudly calls a model of partnership. “The government is our big brother,” he says. “We implement its mid-day meal program efficiently and effectively, raising matching funds from donors and multiplying the impact of every rupee.”

He believes this model could solve many national challenges. “Take the top five problems of India—education, nutrition, sanitation, environment, and healthcare—and turn them into public-private partnerships. You’ll see transformation.”

Frugal Innovation and Scale

Innovation, often born of necessity, has fueled Akshaya Patra’s expansion. When the foundation moved north, it had to replace rice and sambar with chapatis to cater to regional tastes. “How do you cook 400,000 rotis in a few hours?” Venkat Ji laughs. “We found a sardarji in Jalandhar who made papad machines. We worked with him to create a roti machine that made 10,000 per hour. Then our engineers scaled it up to 40,000—and now even 60,000 per hour!”

Such frugal ingenuity, combined with missionary entrepreneurship, has kept the kitchens humming. “Our chairman once said, ‘The ability to take risks becomes infinite if you are selfless.’ That spirit drives every innovation here.”

Governance and Transparency

In a sector often shadowed by mistrust, Akshaya Patra’s governance framework stands out. Venkat Ji recounts a turbulent period in 2020 when some trustees resigned amid differences of opinion. “We brought in one of the Big Four firms to conduct a forensic audit. It was 800 pages long, covering three financial years, and found no financial irregularities—just a 0.75 percent error margin. We shared the findings with every donor. Transparency is non-negotiable.”

The foundation has since won accolades, including the Best NGO 2025 Award from the Asian Centre for Governance and Sustainability.

Children being served Akshaya Patra’s mid-day-meal  Photo Courtesy: Akshaya Patra

The Monk Managers

Akshaya Patra’s leadership structure remains unique. Venkat Ji reports to two monks—one from IIT Bombay and another from IISc Bangalore. “Actual monks,” he smiles. “They wear the same kind of slippers for 30 years, use the same cloth, and live simply. But they run this organization with scientific precision.”

The trust, though spiritually inspired by ISKCON founder Swami Srila Prabhupada, operates independently with its own secular board and audits. “We are guided by devotion, but governed by systems,” Venkat Ji emphasizes.

Meals Without Onion and Garlic

Over lunch, Venkat Ji dispels a common curiosity about Akshaya Patra’s sattvic menu. “Most people can’t even tell the difference,” he says. “Traditionally, Indian food didn’t have onion and garlic—they came with the Mughals. But there’s also a scientific reason: food without them lasts longer. Our meals meet all nutritional standards and stay fresh for hours. Nutrition and taste go hand in hand.”

Lessons from 25 Years

Reflecting on two and a half decades of growth, Venkat Ji distills Akshaya Patra’s philosophy into five principles: focus, simplicity, innovation, governance, and the fusion of missionary zeal with professionalism. “As organizations grow, bureaucracy creeps in,” he warns. “You must keep it simple and connected to the mission.”

The foundation’s focus has never wavered. “We were once offered ₹120 crore to build toilets,” Venkat Ji recalls. “We declined. Not because it wasn’t noble, but because it wasn’t our core mission. We do only what helps us feed more children.”

Looking Ahead: Nourishing More, Advocating Wider

By 2030, Akshaya Patra aims to triple its morning nutrition program to 3 million servings a day and expand its mid-day meals to reach 3 million children—together amounting to 6 million daily meals or 1.4 billion servings a year. “That’s like feeding one full India every year,” Venkat Ji says with quiet pride.

Yet his ultimate dream is to make Akshaya Patra redundant. “One day, I want this program to be irrelevant,” he says. “When no child in India is hungry, we’ll move on to other missions.”

Part of that vision involves advocacy for change. He recounts how a Kenyan woman, inspired by Akshaya Patra’s Hubli kitchen featured in National Geographic, visited India to learn its model. “She fed 50 children then. Today, her team feeds 350,000 in Kenya and aims for 3 million by 2030. She might even surpass us—and that’s the kind of competition we welcome.”

Feeding Hope, Not Just Hunger

As lunch draws to a close, Venkat Ji smiles when asked about Akshaya Patra’s name. “It comes from Draupadi’s vessel given by the Sun God—an inexhaustible pot of food,” he explains. “Dr Murli Manohar Joshi (former BJP president and Union minister) suggested it. We feed until the child says enough. Sometimes they even take food home.”

Then, almost as a benediction, he adds, “We are just instruments—like the small squirrel helping Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka. A tiny squirrel, but blessed to be part of something divine.”

About Author Raj Shah
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of induism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.

College Admissions: From Simplicity in Mumbai to Complexity in Miami

Growing up in Mumbai, when I completed the final year of school, I took the state-wide Board examination. Results were announced one day a couple of months after the exam, and the very next day was college admission day. Based on my scores, I knew which colleges in Mumbai I could apply to, and fortunately, I was eligible for my top choice college in the University of Bombay.

The next morning, I went to that college, application form in hand, stood in line and waited my turn to meet the clerk at the window. About an hour later, I reached the window, where the clerk looked at my transcript and stamped “ADMITTED” on the form. That was it – I had secured admission into my top choice college in the city. And that’s how my undergraduate life began.

Naturally, years later, “when I was raising my sons in Florida and preparing them for college in the United States, I was flabbergasted by the complexity of the entire preparation and admission process”. Seeing how kids here start thinking about college as early as 7th or 8th grade amazed me. The idea that they carefully selected classes, extra-curricular activities and community service with college in mind was baffling. Soon enough I realized that this was simply how things worked here – and one had to play the game.

When my twin boys entered 10th grade, I started talking with parents of older students to understand the process a little better. I read countless online articles and attended lectures held by the school to familiarize myself with the college application process.  In late 10th grade, the kids enrolled in an online SAT program to help them prepare for standardized testing. They understood the importance of taking the PSAT in 11th grade, and how the national merit program could help strengthen their applications. Over all four years of high school, they did community service, attended summer programs aligned with their career goals, and took the most challenging classes available. They decided to pursue the IB diploma, which included some of the toughest courses at their school. They also met regularly with their college counselor, who guided them in shortlisting their top-choice universities.

Then came the summer after 11th grade. It was time for the boys to work on their college applications – filling out the Common App, brainstorming essay topics, writing the all-important personal essay, followed by what seemed like hundreds of supplemental essays for individual universities. All of this resulted in endless discussions (and arguments!) in our family about what to write, what stories to highlight, what to leave out, and how best to present themselves.

Strategic decisions needed to be made – should applications be submitted as Regular Decision, Early Decision, Early Action, or Restricted Early Action?  From August through December of senior year, the college application process completely dominated our evenings and weekends. The boys wrote their first drafts, which we would then review and re-review, going through multiple versions until finally arriving at the “final” version. We paid close attention to details, trying to ensure that words weren’t overused, and checking that essays aligned with the university’s mission and values. Many essays have strict character or word limits, which meant that we had to creatively find ways of trimming sentences while still keeping the essence of the story intact.

Some universities also offered helpful tips to students on their websites. I think that students must always research the university website to see if there is any advice there. For instance, University of Florida had a page that clearly outlined what they wanted to see in honors application essays, and Johns Hopkins University actually had a page titled “Essays that worked” with real examples from admitted students. That was an extremely useful resource which allowed us to see common patterns among strong essays.

My husband and I followed a couple of ground rules:

–          All of the writing had to be done by the boys themselves – we would not write any part of their essays for them.

–          While we discussed the items they included in their essays and gave them ideas, the final decision of what to include in their essays was always theirs.

I ended up learning about so many aspects of the admissions process, including deferrals and waitlisting. I came to understand what to do in the event of a deferral or a waitlist, how to write a letter of continued interest and how to request the school’s college advisor to schedule an advocacy call with the college admissions officer. Most importantly, I  gained invaluable guidance by asking my numerous questions to more experienced parents, to whom I will be eternally grateful. We were also fortunate to have a dedicated college advisor at the high school who patiently worked with us and did everything possible to maximize my sons’ chances of acceptance. And this article would be incomplete without acknowledging the Headmaster of North Broward Preparatory School who – without my even asking – wrote a glowing recommendation letter for one of my sons to a university that had waitlisted him. In the end, this entire journey, though complex and at times overwhelming, became a shared experience of learning, growth, and resilience—for my boys, and for me as well.

About the Author:

Rema Deo is the Managing Director at 24By7Security, a Cybersecurity and Compliance Consulting firm. She lives in South Florida with her husband. A proud mother of twin boys, she is also an active member of the local Indian community. In addition to the professional responsibilities of her function, Rema enjoys the multi-cultural aspect of the job especially as it involves learning different languages, traveling to different countries and meeting and working with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Rema is actively involved in the South Florida community and serves as a Board Member of the Indian Regional and Cultural Center, and has also served on the Board of Trustees of the North Broward Preparatory School.

Getting into college can be intimidating, particularly if your high school GPA wasn’t what you had hoped for. Many students think that their college dreams are over if they have a low GPA, but this isn’t always the case. Today’s colleges seek a comprehensive understanding of a student’s abilities, resilience, and potential, not just their grades. Students with low GPAs can still find a way to further their education with the correct approach, self-awareness, and assistance.

Colleges occasionally admit students with lower-than-expected GPAs.

Despite what many people think, colleges take into account more than just GPA. Test results, extracurricular activities, personal histories, recommendation letters, and essays are just a few of the factors that many schools use in their comprehensive admissions process. If a student shows extraordinary promise in other areas, schools are frequently willing to make an exception.

“We don’t just admit perfect students,” says Carla Jennings, a college admissions advisor at a regional university in Florida. We accept actual students—those who have faced challenges, grown from them, and are prepared to advance. If your application has a strong narrative, a low GPA does not automatically disqualify you.

Accept Responsibility and Give an Account of Your Poor GPA.

A strong personal essay has the power to transform your GPA into a chance to show development and maturity. Admissions officers respect students who admit their past mistakes and share how they grew from them.

“In my application essay, I opened up about how I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD during my freshman and sophomore years,” Jasmine, who is currently a sophomore at a liberal arts college in Ohio, revealed. My grades significantly increased after I received assistance and developed better study techniques. Later, the admissions office told me that what made me stand out was my honesty.

Don’t make excuses when writing your essay. Rather, concentrate on what led to your academic difficulties.

What actions did you take to get past them?

What did the experience teach you?

Safe, Powerful Letters of Recommendation

Strong recommendation letters become even more crucial when your GPA is low. A teacher or counselor who understands your character and potential can explain your academic journey in ways that numbers cannot.

“I’ve written letters for students with GPAs under 2.5 who were among the most hard-working and determined kids I’ve ever seen,” says Mr. Thompson, a guidance counselor at the high school. Admissions officers can truly see the whole picture when we draw attention to those qualities and give context, such as family obligations, health concerns, or late academic blooming.

Select recommenders who know you for more than a semester.

Can discuss your growth, personality, and work ethic.

Recognize your low GPA and know how to put it in a positive context.

Enhance Your Academic Record Prior to Applying

If at all possible, wait a year or a semester before submitting your college application. Take advantage of this time to improve your GPA, retake important classes, or concentrate on getting ready for standardized tests. In particular, at test-optional or test-flexible schools, a higher SAT or ACT score can help make up for a lower GPA.

“I graduated with a 2.3 GPA, and I knew it wouldn’t get me far,” said David, who, after taking a gap year, was accepted to a state university. I took online writing and math classes, worked part-time, and prepared for the SAT over the course of the following year. I improved my score by more than 200 points, demonstrating to colleges my commitment to making a change.

This strategy exhibits initiative, self-control, and development—qualities that universities highly value.

Examine Other Admissions Initiatives

For students who don’t meet standard academic requirements, many colleges offer alternative or conditional admissions programs. Smaller class sizes, study skills workshops, and tutoring are examples of extra support that these programs frequently offer.

Alternative programs include, for instance, summer bridge programs, in which students enroll in college-level courses over the summer before beginning full-time studies.

Conditional or provisional admissions: Students may be accepted under the presumption that they will maintain a specific GPA during their first semester.

Programs for success or transition aim to assist students in establishing a foundation of skills and adjusting to college life.

Speak with admissions counselors at the colleges you are interested in to find out if they offer such programs. By their sophomore year, many of the students who start in these programs move seamlessly into full-degree programs.

Begin at a regional campus or community college.

For students with low GPAs, community colleges are a great choice. They provide individualized academic support, smaller class sizes, and open admissions. Students can transfer to a four-year college or university after earning an associate’s degree or even just a few semesters with excellent grades.

Monica started her academic career at a nearby community college before enrolling at the University of North Carolina: “High school was tough for me—my GPA was around 2.0.” However, community college offered me a new beginning. I was able to transfer to UNC last year after putting in a lot of work and making the Dean’s List. I never thought I would succeed, but here I am.

Additionally, a large number of public universities have regional campuses that facilitate transfers to the main campus and have more accommodating admissions policies.

Remain upbeat and strategic.

A low GPA is merely the beginning of a more strategic academic journey, not the end of it. When submitting college applications, take into account

Applying to many different schools, including less selective ones that take life experience and personal development into account

Emphasizing your strong points, such as your work ethic, leadership, or artistic, athletic, or technological abilities

Demonstrating resilience involves showing upward trends in your grades, particularly if they have improved during your junior and senior years.

“One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming they won’t get in anywhere and just giving up,” says Ms. Lopez, a college access coordinator. However, I have witnessed students with 2.3 GPAs succeed in college, get admission, and win scholarships. It all comes down to work, encouragement, and being truthful about your journey.

Final Thought

Every student has a unique story to share, and a low GPA does not diminish your potential. The most important thing is how you handle the challenge: Are you prepared to put in more effort, ask for assistance, and demonstrate your growth? Colleges are searching for people who persevere, reflect, and rise, not just those who excel academically.

Therefore, don’t give up if your GPA is below average. Rather, begin to plan. To improve your record, speak with your counselors, rewrite your essay honestly, get strong recommendations, and look into every option, including community college, alternative programs, and taking a gap year.

“You’re more than your GPA,” says Jasmine, who is currently succeeding in college. Let your application demonstrate your true self to them.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia Walker, Ph.D., is an esteemed education consultant specializing in college admissions guidance. She earned her doctorate in education from Columbia University, focusing her research on student access to higher education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Walker has successfully guided numerous students through the complexities of the college application process. Dr. Walker is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her expertise includes essay coaching, interview preparation, and strategic college selection. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on college readiness and application strategies. Several educational publications have featured Dr. Walker for her insights on admissions trends. She is committed to empowering students to achieve their higher education goals through informed decision-making. Dr. Walker resides in New York City, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring college students.

Summer vacation presents university students with an invaluable chance to gain real-world experience through internships. These roles not only strengthen professional profiles but also offer crucial networking prospects, allow for career exploration, and refine essential skills, sometimes with compensation. One individual, now a multimedia journalist at a local television station, attributes their various college internships to the experience that enabled them to present themselves as a seasoned professional immediately after graduating from their institution.
The director of a university career center emphasizes how these experiential learning opportunities bridge the gap between academic studies and the expectations of employers for entry-level staff. An executive at a global supply chain company, which hired a significant portion of its 2022 summer interns for permanent positions, points to the increased efficiency that prior internship experience brings. As the summer season approaches, the following five strategies are vital for university students aiming to secure a productive internship:

Leverage Your University Career Center: This campus resource serves as a comprehensive hub for professional development tailored to individual needs. Advisors can guide students in exploring suitable internship options aligned with their majors and interests. The interim dean of an institution’s internship and career center underscores their role in developing strong resumes and professional communication skills. Furthermore, career offices often have information about financial aid, such as travel grants or compensation for unpaid internship opportunities, thereby expanding accessibility.

Develop a Creative and Targeted Resume: Even without prior internship experience, it’s possible to create a compelling resume. New applicants, including first-year students, should highlight transferable skills gained through coursework, group projects, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and volunteer work. A career center director advises creating a distinct resume for each specific internship, emphasizing the relevant skills and qualifications that directly address the job requirements.

Explore On-Campus Opportunities: While off-campus summer internships are popular, students shouldn’t overlook potential positions within the university itself. A career center director notes that universities are substantial employers with various departments like Marketing, IT, HR, and Finance that frequently engage student interns. Additionally, participating in on-campus recruitment events offers an excellent opportunity to meet company representatives face-to-face and make a lasting impression, according to a supply chain executive.

Embrace Remote Internships: The rise of remote work has generated more internship opportunities. Once a niche area, remote internships have grown in number and popularity, transcending geographical boundaries for students. While some remote internships are unpaid, many do offer compensation, as indicated by a university study. This accessibility opens doors for students who may not have had work opportunities in their immediate vicinity.

Utilize Your Existing Network: Students often underestimate the power of their current connections. An interim dean encourages students to recognize that their network includes not only formal professional contacts but also family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, and coaches. Sharing internship search efforts with this network can lead to unexpected opportunities. Casual conversations can also yield valuable leads, as many individuals are willing to assist students in their job search.

By proactively utilizing campus resources, strategically crafting their resumes, pursuing diverse opportunities, and engaging their networks, university students can significantly enhance their chances of securing a meaningful summer internship that will provide them with invaluable experience and propel them toward future career success.

About the Author
Dr. Patricia Walker is an esteemed education consultant specializing in college admissions guidance. She earned her doctorate in education from Columbia University, focusing her research on student access to higher education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Walker has successfully guided numerous students through the complexities of the college application process. Dr. Walker is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her expertise includes essay coaching, interview preparation, and strategic college selection. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on college readiness and application strategies. Several educational publications have featured Dr. Walker for her insights on admissions trends. She is committed to empowering students to achieve their higher education goals through informed decision-making. Dr. Walker resides in New York City, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring college students.

For Indian-American families, college admissions are more than just applications—they are a family journey shaped by values, expectations, and aspirations.

Unlike many Western households where students make independent decisions, Indian families often take a collective approach. Parents guide, advise, and invest deeply—emotionally and financially—in their children’s future. Academic excellence is expected, but so is character, discipline, and purpose.

However, the U.S. college admissions system can feel confusing—even overwhelming—especially for first-generation parents or those unfamiliar with evolving trends like holistic admissions, essays, and extracurricular impact.

This guide simplifies the process into a clear, structured timeline while addressing the unique dynamics of Indian-American households.

Before You Begin: Key Terms You Must Understand

Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to understand a few essential concepts:

• Regular Decision (RD): The standard application deadline, typically between January 1–15. Non-binding.
• Early Action (EA): Earlier deadline (Oct–Nov), non-binding. You can apply to multiple schools.
• Early Decision (ED): Early deadline but binding—you must attend if accepted.
• Demonstrated Interest: Colleges may track your engagement—tours, emails, events, etc.
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually from a counselor and 1–2 teachers.
• Alumni Interviews: Optional but valuable opportunities to strengthen your application.

Understanding the Cultural Advantage—and Challenge

Indian-American students often begin with strong academic foundations. But today, grades and test scores alone are not enough.

Colleges now look for:

• Leadership and initiative
• Passion and consistency
• Community involvement
• Personal story and identity

The key is balance.

The Challenge: Many Indian-American students focus heavily on academics but underestimate storytelling, extracurricular depth, and individuality.

The Opportunity: Families that combine discipline with strategic planning have a powerful advantage in helping their children develop a unique personal narrative and engage in diverse extracurricular activities that showcase their individuality.

Month-by-Month Timeline (With Cultural Insights)

January (Junior Year): Setting Expectations as a Family

This is where serious planning begins.

• Start identifying what type of colleges interest you.
• What are your goals—top-tier colleges, specific careers, or affordability?
• Define goals: Ivy League, strong state schools, or balanced options
• Begin or finalize standardized testing plans, which include the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing).
• Explore colleges through websites, virtual tours, and initial visits
• Start thinking about your “reach, target, and safety” school categories.

Goal: Establish direction and begin early research.

Parent Tip
Guide your child—but avoid setting rigid expectations. Alignment is important, but flexibility is essential in today’s competitive environment.

February: Deep Research & Strategy

Now it’s time to refine your approach.

• Narrow down your balanced college list
• Explore new or “wild card” schools
• Research scholarships and financial aid opportunities
• Research programs and career outcomes
• Apply to summer programs (many deadlines fall here)

Common Mistake:
Applying only to “famous” colleges without backup options

Goal: Move from broad ideas to a focused college strategy.

March: Academic Strength + Planning Ahead

• Retake standardized tests (SAT/ACT) if needed
• Use spring break productively for focused study.
• Continue building extracurricular profile

Goal: Strengthen academic credentials and maintain momentum.

Student Tip
Don’t overload yourself with too many activities. Colleges prefer depth and consistency over a long but shallow list.

April: Build a Strong Profile Beyond Academics

Colleges care about what you do outside the classroom. This area is where many Indian-American students fall behind.

• Deepen involvement in extracurricular activities
• Start or lead a project, club, or initiative
• Participate in competitions 
• Attend college fairs and track deadlines
• Engage in community service
• Take leadership roles
• Start a project (nonprofit, blog, tutoring initiative)

Goal: Show leadership, initiative, and real impact.

Parent Tip
Encourage your child to take initiative—even if it means trying something new. Leadership is often born from risk-taking and creativity, not just following a safe path, as it allows individuals to develop unique solutions and gain confidence in their decision-making abilities.

May: Grades First + Recommendation Strategy

This is a critical academic period.

• Focus on final exams and GPA
• Focus heavily on AP exams and final grades
• Identify teachers for recommendation letters
• Request recommendations early

Important Note:
Teachers should know your child beyond grades—relationships matter.

Goal: Protect your GPA and secure strong recommendations.

June: Finalize College List & Start Applications

Now the real application work begins.

• Finalize your college list
• Open your application account (Common App or others)
• Review essay prompts and begin brainstorming

Goal: Be fully prepared before summer starts.

Family Role:
Parents should shift from “decision-makers” to support partners.

Student Tip
Start your essays early. The best essays are not written in one sitting—they evolve through reflection and revision.

July: The Essay—Your Personal Story

This is one of the most critical stages.

• Draft your personal statement
• Begin supplemental essays
• Reflect on personal experiences
• Research each school deeply for tailored responses.

Key Insight for Indian Families:

This is not a place for parents to “write” or heavily edit. Admissions officers want the student’s authentic voice—not perfection.

Goal: Produce strong, authentic essay drafts.

Parent Tip
Resist the urge to “rewrite” your child’s essay. Admissions officers can easily tell when a voice sounds too polished or unnatural.

August: Prepare for Early Applications

Deadlines are closer than they seem.

• Refine essays and application components
• Decide whether to apply EA or ED
• Ensure all materials are progressing smoothly
• Finalize application drafts

Caution:
Early Decision is binding—families must be financially and emotionally ready.

Goal: Be nearly ready for submission.

September (Senior Year): Build & Polish Applications

Now it all comes together.

• Finalize your activities list and achievements.
• Confirm recommendation letters are submitted
• Start financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile)

Financial Insight:
Even high-income families should explore aid and merit scholarships.

Goal: Complete a strong, well-rounded application.

Parent Tip
Understand the full cost of college—not just tuition. Housing, meals, and other expenses can significantly impact your financial planning.

October: Early Deadlines Begin

Time to take action.

• Submit Early Action/Early Decision applications
• Get final reviews from trusted advisors
• Double-check all requirements

Family Moment:
This is a milestone—celebrate the effort, not just outcomes.

Goal: Submit polished applications with confidence.

Student Tip
Don’t rush just to meet an early deadline. A strong Regular Decision application is better than a weak early one.

You’ve started—but you’re not done yet.

• Continue submitting applications
• Maintain strong academic performance
• Stay organized with deadlines

Goal: Keep momentum going without burnout.

Common Pitfall:
Students relax too early—senior-year performance still matters.

December: Results & Emotional Balance

Results start arriving.

• Receive early application decisions
• If deferred, continue working on other applications
• Complete regular decision applications

Goal: Stay focused regardless of outcomes.

Parent Tip
Avoid comparing your child’s results with others. Every student’s journey is unique—and comparison only adds unnecessary stress.

January: Final Submissions & Final Push

The final push.

• Submit all remaining applications
• Prepare Letters of Continued Interest (if deferred)
• Begin interview preparation

Goal: Finish strong and stay proactive

Reality Check:
This is where preparation meets execution—no shortcuts.

Student Tip
Treat interviews as conversations, not interrogations. Be genuine, curious, and confident.

February: Interviews & Waiting Period

Now, you wait—but stay engaged.

• Attend alumni interviews if offered
• Apply for scholarships
• Be patient as decisions are processed.

Goal: Stay positive and prepared.

Cultural Reminder:
Patience is key—avoid unnecessary stress or speculation.

March: Decision Season

The results arrive.

• Receive admissions decisions
• Acceptances, waitlists, and rejections arrive

• Evaluate acceptances, waitlists, and rejections

Goal: Keep perspective and stay flexible.

Important Perspective:
Rejection is not failure—it is redirection.

Parent Tip
Rejections are part of the process—even for top students. Focus on opportunities ahead, not doors that closed.

April: Compare & Decide Wisely

Now the choice is yours.

• Compare financial aid packages
• Attend admitted student events
• Evaluate long-term fit—not just rankings
• Visit campuses if possible.

Family Discussion:
Balance prestige with:

• Cost
• Career opportunities
• Student happiness

Goal: Choose the best overall fit for your future.

Student Tip
Choose a college where you can thrive, not just survive. Fit matters more than prestige.

 May: Commit & Celebrate

Final step.

• Submit enrollment decision by May 1
• Handle waitlist decisions if applicable
• Celebrate your achievement!
• Prepare for college transition

Celebration Time:
This is a proud moment—for both student and family.

Goal: Secure your place and prepare for the next chapter.

Common Mistakes Indian-American Families Should Avoid

Even strong students can derail their chances with simple mistakes:

• Over-focusing on rankings
• Excessive parental control in applications
• Ignoring extracurricular depth
• Last-minute preparation
• Comparing with other families

• Missing deadlines
• Rushing essays
• Ignoring instructions
• Weak organization
• Poor time management

Solution: Plan early, stay organized, and avoid last-minute stress.

The college application process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, consistent effort, and a clear timeline, you can approach it with confidence.

The college journey is not just about getting into a “top” school—it’s about finding the right environment where your child can grow, succeed, and be fulfilled.

When Indian values of discipline and education combine with American values of individuality and creativity, students don’t just get admitted—they stand out.

The most successful Indian-American students are not just high achievers—they are well-rounded, self-aware, and confident in their identity.

Take it step by step, stay disciplined, and give it your best.

When you combine:

• Indian values of discipline and education
• With American emphasis on individuality and creativity

—you create a powerful formula for success.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia Walker, Ph.D., is an esteemed education consultant specializing in college admissions guidance. She earned her doctorate in education from Columbia University, focusing her research on student access to higher education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Walker has successfully guided numerous students through the complexities of the college application process. Dr. Walker is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her expertise includes essay coaching, interview preparation, and strategic college selection. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on college readiness and application strategies. Several educational publications have featured Dr. Walker for her insights on admissions trends. She is committed to empowering students to achieve their higher education goals through informed decision-making. Dr. Walker resides in New York City, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring college students.

Introduction: The Big Question

In a world where artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, study, and communicate, students and parents are asking: Do college essays still matter?

Given that tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can produce refined writing in only seconds, one could be tempted to believe that essays might be fading away for college applications. In reality, essays remain crucial for college.

College essays remain crucial in this era of artificial intelligence.
In this era of artificial intelligence, college essays are even more crucial. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case, how schools are adapting, and what families and students should be mindful of as they navigate this new admissions process.

Essays: Their Past and Present Function

Traditionally, college essays have been the “personal” aspect of the application. Admissions officers can get an idea of a student’s academic skills from their test scores and GPA, but essays show something deeper: a student’s beliefs, voice, struggles, goals, and growth.

Even before artificial intelligence, colleges were moving toward a more comprehensive evaluation process, particularly at competitive universities. The evidence suggests that they consider the child’s personal characteristics in addition to their academic performance.

In this holistic approach, essays:

• Add context to a student’s background.
• Showcase resilience and character
• Reflect a student’s curiosity, empathy, and leadership
• Allow a student to speak directly to the admissions committee.

These articles have become much more important now that artificial intelligence is involved.

AI Tools: Assistance or Obstacle?

In seconds, AI writing tools such as ChatGPT can produce well-structured, grammatically perfect essays. While this may appear ideal for children, it poses significant concerns for college admissions staff.

Certainly, students may get “help,” but there is a distinction between advice and outsourcing your voice.

Some students are now lured to let the whole essay be written by artificial intelligence. But those in admissions are becoming better at spotting inauthentic material. Often, pieces produced by artificial intelligence read like polished corporate biographies or Wikipedia entries: tidy but emotionally lifeless. Flawless grammar. No soul.

Many colleges and high school advisors are utilizing artificial detection technologies to identify writings that appear unnaturally created. But more significantly, seasoned readers can identify when a work lacks a personal touch.

“In a world where AI can generate content, what stands out is what only you can say.”

Why Essays Are More Important Now Than Ever

1. They Highlight the Human Component
Artificial intelligence can copy structure and language, but not feelings, thoughts, or experiences from real life. Colleges want to know:

• What matters to you?
• What shaped you?
• What is your thinking process?
• What is important to you?

2. They show development and maturity.
Admissions staff seek students who approach the world with a learning attitude, develop from failure, and learn from difficulties. A personal essay allows pupils to demonstrate emotional intelligence and self-awareness—qualities artificial intelligence cannot manufacture.

3. They Emphasize Voice and Imagination
Artificial intelligence can write an essay, but it can’t write a true story, understand a culture, or come up with a new metaphor. Voice and creativity are very personal. In a flood of applications, an actual voice is all that remains.

4. They Provide Insight Into Personal and Cultural Identity
Essays are a strong means for many first- and second-generation students to convey the depth of their backgrounds. These stories, whether they are about growing up in an Indian family with many generations, helping out at a nearby mandir, or navigating two cultures, are important, and AI can’t make them up.

Sidebar: Examples of Strong Essay Topics

• A takeaway from a family tradition or celebration
• Navigating two cultures as a first-generation student
• A challenge that shaped your character
• How did volunteering at a mandir change your perspective?

Encourage Authenticity: A Parent’s Note

Often, as Indian-American parents, we stress academic success—and justifiably so. Emotional intelligence and narrative, however, are just as vital in the admissions process of today.

Inspire your kids to:

• Think back on what actually formed them.
• Write from the heart, not for perfection.
• Don’t let AI do the tough work or copy templates.

Authenticity usually trumps perfection even in those not excellent in English. Colleges are not searching for the next Shakespeare. They want genuine young individuals with drive, enthusiasm, and possibility.

“Even if English isn’t perfect, sincerity always wins.”

Using artificial intelligence correctly
Let me be clear: artificial intelligence is not the foe. Used responsibly, it can be a helpful tool for brainstorming, outlining, or editing.

Students may request artificial intelligence to:

• Recommend topics for essays
• Assist in arranging ideas into a logical framework.
• Provide sentence-level or grammatical comments.

Students, however, have to make sure the material, insight, and feeling are completely their own.

What colleges are doing differently.

A few institutions are already changing their essay questions to lessen AI influence. To provide an example:

• Asking highly specific, personal questions
• Requiring in-person interviews or spontaneous writing samples
• Including video essays or creative submissions

These patterns indicate that universities are intensifying their assessment of students’ genuine voices. That underlines even more how important a genuine, self-written essay still is.

Real is greater than perfect.
Whether a student writes about Diwali, their immigration path, or assisting a sibling with schoolwork, what counts is the feeling and understanding underlying the narrative.

You don’t need a dramatic story—just a sincere one.

Final Thoughts: In a Digital Age, Be Human
We live in a wonderful era. From medicine to journalism, artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, yes, including education. Yet, in the middle of all this, one reality endures:

What makes us human is what makes us valuable.

For students applying to college, your story, your struggles, your insights, and your dreams are what matter. No software can tell those stories for you.

As parents and mentors, we must remind our children that authenticity, integrity, and effort still matter. This applies not only to college, but also to life in general.

Yes, essays are still important. In this era of artificial intelligence, they could be the most crucial component of the college application, as they reveal who the student really is, not just because they indicate how effectively a student can write.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia Walker, Ph.D., is an esteemed education consultant specializing in college admissions guidance. She earned her doctorate in education from Columbia University, focusing her research on student access to higher education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Walker has successfully guided numerous students through the complexities of the college application process. Dr. Walker is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her expertise includes essay coaching, interview preparation, and strategic college selection. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars on college readiness and application strategies. Several educational publications have featured Dr. Walker for her insights on admissions trends. She is committed to empowering students to achieve their higher education goals through informed decision-making. Dr. Walker resides in New York City, where she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring college students.

For centuries, the Hindu community has excelled in every field imaginable—medicine, technology, business, academia, and beyond. We have built the most expensive and magnificent temples outside of India, created billion-dollar enterprises, and produced some of the brightest minds shaping the world today. And yet, in a country where Hindus are thriving, one critical foundation is missing—a school that instills pride in our children about who they are, where they come from, and what they stand for.

Introducing Gurukul Academy—The First K-8 Hindu School in the U.S.

Gurukul Academy is not just a school; it’s a movement—a place where academic excellence meets Sanatan Dharma, where culture and modernity walk hand in hand, and where children will learn to say ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ with pride instead of having to explain our deities as a ‘monkey god’ or an ‘elephant god.’ If Kashyap Patel can say ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ in his Senate hearing, why can’t we have a school where children are taught to embrace their heritage from day one?

This isn’t about looking back—it’s about moving forward. Sanatan Dharma is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Its timeless wisdom, emphasis on duty (dharma), truth (satya), and compassion (karuna) are the very values that create leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Gurukul Academy will be the beacon that nurtures this leadership from the ground up.

Exclusivity, Excellence, and Community

Gurukul Academy is not for everyone—it is for the families that seek the best education rooted in the highest values. Admission will be selective, based on assessments, ensuring the right fit for both the student and the school. The standards will be unparalleled, and the outcome will be transformational.

We already know that in many of the top-performing schools, Hindu children are consistently among the highest achievers. Imagine what can be achieved when these brilliant young minds are brought together under one roof, in one community, with one vision—a school that fosters both academic excellence and cultural strength.

We Need the Community to Make This a Reality—Now!

This is not just a dream—Gurukul Academy is coming soon to Broward County, and families are already lining up to be a part of this historic initiative. But to make this happen sooner rather than later, we need the entire community to step up.

This is the only logical next step to preserve who we are, to unite us, and to give our children a place where they truly belong. It is not too early to get your child’s name on the list. And if you believe in this vision, there is no better time than now to donate—every contribution accelerates this dream into a reality.

We have built temples, we have built businesses, we have built legacies. Now, it’s time to build the foundation of our future.

Visit gurukulacademyusa.org to learn more.

Gurukul Academy—Where Knowledge Meets Heritage. The First. The Finest. The Future.

Join us. Be a part of history.

Nilam Ramchandani

Founder, Gurukul Academy

gurukulacademyusa.org

Nilam Ramchandani is a seasoned finance professional and passionate advocate for cultural and educational excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from Barry University (graduating with a 4.0 GPA in just 2.5 years) and an MBA in Finance & M&A from the University of Miami.

Having held key finance roles at Sony Pictures, Ryder Systems, World Trade Securities, Darden Restaurants, and Entertainment Benefits Group, Nilam later served as Head of Finance and Strategy at AnalytIQ, providing CFO services and strategic financial leadership.

As a mother of 5-year-old twin girls and a 3-year-old son, Nilam wanted a school that not only upheld high academic standards but also taught her children about their Hindu heritage and culture. While there are schools for the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and Christian communities in the U.S., she couldn’t find a school serving the Hindu community. Driven by this need, Nilam founded Gurukul Academy, the first K-8 Hindu school in the U.S. Her mission is to provide a space where children can receive top-tier education while embracing and celebrating Sanatan Dharma.

With a deep commitment to education and community, Nilam is dedicated to shaping the future of Hindu education in America.