Changemaker: A woman’s mission to nurture, educate kids

Kamal Capoor, 82, founded Happy School in DLF Phase 1, Gurugram, in 1996, starting with four children and growing to educate about 500 students up to Class 5.

In 1998, enrollment reached 150, classes moved to a green belt, and after noise complaints, the administration allotted a government building for the school.

Happy School operates from 8 am to 2 pm across two campuses, with 25 teachers and 10 volunteers, and about 75 students graduate from Class 5 each year.

Graduates receive sponsorship for further education or continue in government schools; some former students have become hotel managers or computer engineers.

Funding comes from neighbors' contributions and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.