The Veerni Project: Educating Girls, Empowering Futures

Founded in 1993 in response to the urgent health needs of women and children in the Thar Desert, Western Rajasthan, the Veerni Project evolved-by 2000, at the request of village girls-to focus on access to secondary education: a critical pathway to independence and opportunity. Since its inception, Veerni has provided life-changing support to more than 20.000 girls.

Today, Veerni supports 120 girls aged 12–18, offering them a fully funded secondary education in Jodhpur. The programme includes a safe residential home, healthcare, nutrition, computer training, arts, sports, and enrolment in one leading private school. Each girl’s education costs $2,800 per year. With increased funding, Veerni aims to reach even more girls.

Veerni welcomes girls from diverse rural communities and fosters a caste-blind environment where confidence and lifelong friendships grow. By providing a supportive space to learn and thrive, Veerni enables girls to make informed life choices, pursue higher education, and contribute to their families and communities.

This mission transforms not only individual lives, but the future of the communities it serves. As Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Veerni makes those first steps possible-one girl at a time.

The Veerni Alumni Network: Empowered Women, Empowering Others

At Veerni, we believe education is the foundation of empowerment, and our alumni are living proof. The Veerni Alumni community is a vibrant network of women who have transformed their own lives, and those of others, through the power of education. From rural Rajasthan to colleges, workplaces, and leadership roles across the state, our graduates embody the courage, resilience, and determination that define the Veerni spirit.

Since our founding, Veerni has supported hundreds of girls to complete secondary education, break the cycle of early marriage, and access opportunities once beyond reach. Our alumni are trailblazers: teachers, nurses, police officers, P.E. instructors, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. Each one represents a story of triumph over adversity, a testament to what becomes possible when girls are given the chance to learn, grow, and dream big.

Veerni’s graduates don’t simply move on; they give back. Many return to mentor current students, sharing their journeys and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps. Together, they form a lifelong sisterhood of empowered women, building a brighter future for all.

group of diverse women in professional settings, smiling and collaborating, symbolizing empowerment and sisterhood

MEET OUR ALUMNI

Mamta, Nurse, Veerni Graduate

(Veerni Graduate 2015)

Working as a nurse has shown me how powerful care can be. Every day I help women through childbirth-before, during, and after - at the Community Health Centre in Keru. It’s demanding work, but also deeply fulfilling.

I want to keep learning and growing. My dream is to study at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences so I can serve my community even better. Veerni gave me the education and confidence to take this path, and I hope my journey inspires other girls to follow theirs

Priyanka, Physical Education Teacher, Veerni Graduate

(Veerni Graduate 2012)

When I was a student, sport gave me confidence and purpose. Today, I see that same spark in my students. I teach 149 children at the government school in Bisalpur, on our two playgrounds and even in the stadium! We play kho-kho, kabaddi, handball, and I lead yoga and meditation every morning.

Being a national-level handball player opened my world. Now I want to give that same chance to others. My dream is to build a school team that competes across Rajasthan, and shows girls that strength, discipline, and teamwork can change their lives

Tripti, Yoga Teacher and Entrepreneur, Veerni Graduate

(Veerni Graduate 2012)

Yoga taught me balance, focus, and strength—not just in my body, but in my life. After completing my training, I opened my own yoga studio in Jodhpur. It’s a space where people can breathe, move, and find calm.

I often return to the Veerni Institute to lead yoga sessions for the girls. It feels special to share what I’ve learned with the place that once supported me. I want them to know that with discipline and belief in yourself, you can create your own path

Rekha: Beautician and Entrepreneur

(Veerni Graduate 2012)

Veerni changed the course of my life. After joining their sewing classes in my village, I became one of the first students at the Veerni hostel to complete my secondary education. With the confidence and skills I gained, I trained as a beautician and earned my diploma. Today, I run Gouri Beauty Parlour, offer bridal services, and manage a small boutique. I now teach certified beauty courses to young women in my community, passing on the same opportunities I received. My journey, from Veerni student to professional and mentor, shows how Veerni can uplift not just one girl, but an entire community.

Shobha-Sub-Inspector, Rajasthan Police

(Veerni Graduate, 2011)

Veerni transformed my life. I went from being a child bride to becoming a police officer. The education and support I received at the Veerni Institute gave me the courage to change my destiny. I went on to earn a master’s degree, complete professional training, and proudly join the Rajasthan Police as a Sub-Inspector.

My journey was not easy. I endured abuse, fought for my freedom, and rebuilt my life with determination and faith in myself. But Veerni gave me the strength to rise.
Today, I stand as proof that with courage, education, and perseverance, a girl can overcome any barrier and create her own future.

Dr Chanchal-Yoga Teacher 

(Veerni Graduate, 2013)

Veerni set me on the path to discovering my purpose. After graduating, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and became a certified yoga teacher. My passion is helping others achieve balance and well-being through holistic health. I’m now studying Ayurvedic medicine to deepen my knowledge and combine traditional healing with modern wellness practices. I’ll always be grateful to Veerni for giving me the foundation and confidence to follow this journey.

Neelam-Senior Matron, Veerni Institute Balika

(Veerni Graduate, 2011)

Veerni has been my home since I was a student, and today I’m proud to serve as Senior Matron at the Institute. Giving back to the place that changed my life is deeply meaningful to me. Every day, I have the privilege of guiding and supporting the next generation of Veerni girls-helping them believe in themselves, just as others once helped me.

Maina-Commerce Educator, Government School Mathanya

(Veerni Graduate, 2012)

Veerni changed my life. It gave me the confidence to dream beyond the limits of my village and believe in my own potential. After graduating, I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Commerce and Education, and today I’m proud to teach senior students at a government school in Mathanya. Balancing my studies with marriage and motherhood was never easy, but the courage and determination I learned at Veerni kept me going. I’ll always be grateful to Veerni- and I hope my story inspires other girls to believe that anything is possible.

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