Alumni Cell

Chanchala C (b.1998) has associated with Icon since 2010. During her upper primary years, she was given academic support in core subjects and languages and in high school, she got intensive support for all subjects. For 11-12 grades, she was a full time student of Icon. Thereafter, she got financial and moral support for UG classes. She belongs to a Trust beneficiary family, consisting 4 members including, Anchala, also an Icon alumni, currently doing her integrated data science masters in PSG Tech College, Coimbatore.   Her father, now unemployed, was a private bus conductor, and her mother an Anganwady worker.

About her achievements so far, she says, “I am happy with my academic life so far. I was just an average/ ordinary student till grade 7.  After joining Sobha Icon, I started discovering myself. Joining Icon was a turning point in my life. Joining any other school wouldn’t have made me what I am today”.

Sobha Icon has reset some of the prevailing educational terms and norms in the area. Aspiring students of the village got a never before opportunity to excel themselves in both personal and academics with such a robust system like Icon.  According to her, ‘the initial impression about Sobha Icon was it felt a home-like a place where I can improve myself in both personal life and academic life. In retrospect, each and every  activity in Icon became building blocks in my life’.

This is how she recollected her Icon days: during upper primary, Icon was just limited to holidays. Before being a part of Icon, even normal tuition in holidays felt like a burden. In Icon, each holiday was something that I looked for as all activities in Icon were very helpful and exciting.  It was during high school days that I started preferring being in Icon than being at home. I started to feel that studying can be different and made enjoyable, teachers can be friendlier, and classrooms are not restricted into four walls and can be made more interactive and live. I can always find someone to talk to… someone was always there for everyone. I became a full-time student in the higher secondary section only. Daily school assembly is something that made an indelible mark on my personality.  The one hour plus session has churned me out to become what I am and where I am right now. Each and every one who guided us were well aware of what we are.

My name is Shinoj Narayanan. I was part of the 2013-15 batch of Sobha Icon. I did Economics at Azim Premji

University, with a minor in Development and Sustainability. Currently, I am doing my master’s in Development Economics at SOAS University of London. 

I was fortunate to be part of the student cohort who were the pioneering batch of Icon. Since then, I was proud of being from that institution and the foundation it gave me. As most of the students at Icon, I was also from an economically disadvantaged family, who had an enormous

amount of capabilities but were not guided well and aware of the opportunities around. Icon nurtured and polished my potential and showed me the way to conquer the bright future ahead. 

The works Sobha is doing in my locality first sow the seeds of social responsibility in me, which later expanded by the education of Azim Premji University. Having an undergraduate degree from one of the best prestigious institutes in India and later come to the UK to do masters in one of the best institutes in the world to do Development, couldn’t have been possible without the foundation given by Icon. Coming from a family where none, before me, went beyond tenth grade and none could speak English, the opportunity offered by Icon was nothing other than transformative. It gave me the skills and confidence which helped me to be compatible with a cohort at APU who were extremely capable of using the language English.

Being a product of philanthropy, I realised the importance of institutions like Sobha in giving a supporting hand for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Therefore, irrespective of whichever profession I belong to, I will spend a part of my life to support the people like me. This support is not only economical but also with ideas.

My name is Harish H. I have been a part of Sobha since 2010. I was so fortunate to get an admission at Sobha Icon’s Inaugural higher secondary batch, 2013-15. I pursued my graduation in Economics(Hons) with a minor in

Development Studies at Azim Premji University,​ ​Bangalore. 

After my graduation, I was working in an eCommerce and digital performance firm as an associate to CEO of the firm. Currently I am preparing for Young India Fellowship.I come from an economically less privileged family and Financial constraints and lack of opportunity always remained a hindrance to achieve my desires. When I joined at Government higher secondary school Kizhakkencherry, I was like a normal below average student who has no knowledge about what I am going to do ahead in future. It was during my 8th standard, the turning point happened in my life. Sobha Icon extend their hands to me and they pulled me out from my savage days. I don’t need to think twice to state that Sobha Icon was the platform where I start to realise on my skills and potentiality. 

The school assembly debate, group discussion and news review sessions, were the key factors which help to build my English proficiency. Within a short span of time in an English medium schooling, Sobha Icon helps me to do very good performance in academics. Apart from that Sobha Icon provided a platform to interact with eminent personalities and their countless words & advices kept my motivation much higher. 

 I strongly believe that all the success that I came across over this period is mainly because, my strong passion to work for the society which is a great motivation in my life. Hence, support back economically less privileged people and contribute towards the welfare community is what matter me the most. I would like build my career in the management sector. Regardless to my profession, I always like to priorities my social commitment ahead of all. I would like to thank Mr. PNC Menon for his philolathorpist works which helps to me grow higher and brighter. 

                                      I​ am Sruthi.S, from    a    small village called Kizhakkencherry in the district of Palakkad, Kerala. My family includes my mother, father, younger brother and myself. My father is a coolie worker and my mother, a homemaker. I am currently doing my Masters in Environmental Studies and Resource Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. I pursued my Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Development and sustainability from the School of Liberal Studies,  Azim Premji University, Banglore. 

I have been a part of Sobha Icon, from the year of 2010. With the privilege of being in the pioneering batch of Sobha Icon, I consider it as one of the biggest turning points in my life. Being a part of Sobha Icon helped me to change my perceptions about life, especially as a young girl from a small village. It is really hard for a girl from an economically backward condition, from a rural setting to explore the bigger world outside her home. Sobha Icon has helped me to realize the bigger dreams I could have in life and helped in molding my personality to achieve them. Sobha Icon taught me to break the stereotypes, think big and move beyond your boundaries.

My biggest dream in life is to stay happy and help others to be happy as well. The path I chose to achieve my dream is to work for a better environment to live in. As Sobha Icon had lit lights in my life, I believe that it is my duty to give back to society and be a helping hand for students like me. It has given me confidence in my present and future. “Be the change you want to see in the world” is what Icon has taught me and I am working towards achieving this goal.  

My name is Sulfiya S. My family consists of my father, mother, two younger siblings and myself. I have been a part of Sobha from the year of 2010. I am currently in my third year of studies towards a bachelor’s in Biology at Azim Premji University with a minor in Development and sustainability.

I consider myself privileged being a part of the student cohort of Sobha since 8th standard. I would say it has been the first turning point in my life that helped me reach where I am now and what I will be tomorrow. Being a young girl from a small village and with an economically disadvantaged Muslim family background, it was not an easy task to come out of the stereotypes. Sobha has always been a major influence for me to break the barriers and shape my own path to pursue my dreams. I was an above average student in academics from the beginning but lack of proficiency in English and confidence were my weakness. Sobha helped me to overcome these challenges through various activities like group discussion, debate, newspaper article review, etc. Sobha Icon provided a platform for me to develop as a person with proper guidance and constructive criticism. Interaction with dignitaries kept my motivation high and opened a whole new world of opportunities. 

Being a part of Sobha Icon made me realise the importance of education for the betterment of society. Hence, the ultimate dream of my life is to support students like me in their education and to help them as much as I can to achieve their goals. From the experience that I had from Sobha Icon and Azim Premji University, I strongly believe that I could bring changes in the life of people in my neighbourhood society.

I am Unnimaya. I was part of the Sobha Icon programme since 2011. I completed my higher secondary education in science from Sobha Icon. Currently I am doing my under graduation in Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics at Azim Premji University. 

I am happy to be a part of sobha icon programme. As a student from the financially disadvantaged family, the institution opened the doors to look into my future. Icon programme taught me to dream high and try for that. Showed us the real world and moulded us with better opportunities. Helped in completing many phases of student life as guardians. Now also helping to enter into another phase of life.

The support and care from the faculties and program coordinates which they given us could be seen in the results made out of it. This I actually considered as a luck that every neighboring child of mine is not received. Icon programme helped me dreaming of becoming a responsible and independent person who do cares about the society around irrespective of job titles.

School Assembly, classroom debates, and other programmes helped me presenting my thoughts and ideas in a public. News reading sessions and other language based activities was key factor which helped me improve my proficiency in English.

Sobha Icon programme has made me confident about present and future. As a person who considers education is a must thing, I will support the ones who are into their dreams and needs help irrespective of my job title. 

My name is Anjitha P. I was part of Sobha Icon since 2011. I was part of the 2014-16 batch in Sobha Icon. Currently, I am doing my undergraduate degree in Physics with a minor in Development and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, Bangalore.

Joining Sobha Icon was the biggest turning point in my life. It totally changed my perspective about various things. The institution focused on overall personality development and helped us grow both mentally and physically. The various programmes like group discussion, debate helped us to

overcome the stage fear and build confidence in ourselves. Sobha Icon showed us the real world outside and showed various opportunities around us. Both teachers and other staffs supported and helped me. Being a normal girl from the rural region, I didn’t have any ambition while I was joining Sobha. The programme taught me to dream and work hard for it. 

Various programmes in the school assembly like group discussion, open defense, debates etc.. updated us about what is happening around the world. These programs also helped me a lot to improve my proficiency in English. Interacting with various guests helped me to keep to work hard for my dream and to not to give up.

My name is Ravitha Ravi. I was part of the

2014-2016 batch of Sobha Icon. I am pursuing Bsc. Physics in Azim Premji University with a minor in development and Sustainability. Currently, I am in final year of Undergraduate. Now I am preparing for Young India fellowship in Ashoka University, Delhi.

When I look back at my 20 years of life, it has been filled with some big challenges. My parents separated when I was 3 months old. My mother then got married to a Christian and converted to Christianity. My Grandparents did not want me to convert and kept me with them. I was brought up by my grandparents who passed away one after the other when I was in 10th and 11th standard. Since then, I was harassed by my Aunt whom I was staying with. During all these years the thing that has kept me going and inspired to build a meaningful life has been a good education and the grace of good human beings in society. Sobha provided me good education as well as a good atmosphere by giving Sobha hermitage for my accommodation. 

school life in Sobha Icon made an enormous impact on my life. As a girl from a small, backward village, who studied in a Malayalam medium school till her 10th standard, faced numerous personal challenges and holding on to my aspirations required a lot of courage and confidence to face the world. 2 years in Sobha Icon nourished me with self confidence and courage to face the new world. The proper guidance and reflections from the teachers helped to expand my education from Sobha Icon to Azim Premji University, Bangalore which is one of the best colleges in India. The language activities which were conducted in Sobha Icon helped me to break my English language barrier in Azim Premji University. The foundation given by Sobha Icon was everlasting.

I have also been very privileged and got a very good school and college education owing to the philanthropic work of people like Mr. PNC Menon and Mr. Azim Premji of Wipro. I believe the world can be a much better place with a good education system and the kindness of the larger society. I would like to lead a meaningful life and hope to do this by working for better education opportunities for the less privileged and marginalized sections of society.

I am Reshma R. I completed my SSLC in GHSS kizhakkencherry, and Intermediate from Sobha Icon HSS. Now I am doing B.Sc Biology in Azim Premji University. Currently I am in my last semester in APU. After pursuing my degree from APU, I would like to do MSc in biology itself (Life Science or Plant science). After my MSc I would like to do a phD, related to biology. I want to work in the field of education may be as a teacher.

I joined Sobha Icon on my 7th standard and continued till my intermediate. I really had a nice experience as a Sobha Icon. Most of the skills that I have right now is the result of being part of that programme. The one thing that made this Sobha Icon to its position is the teachers, who has always inspired me. I had such a nice interactive teachers who were really interested in their subject and also very active in their professional. These teacher was my inspiration for my studies, the classes was not only filed with concepts but there was also narratives from our teachers to inspire us to study well and to score good grades. The main take away from Sobha Icon would be, the success of an institution lies in the hardworks of the workers. I was really inspired by the sincerity of the teachers in their work.

More than just focusing on the studies we were also trained to speak and communicate english. This was done through the assembly that we had in Sobha Icon. We all were engaged in different activities related to the newspaper, like read aloud, thought for the day, group discussion and so on. These activities have a greater impact in my life, I am sure that through those interactions and activities now I am able to express my ideas in front of a crowd confidently.

As a Icon student I had always heard about the ideas of giving back to society which was inspired from PNC Menon sir. As I mentioned earlier I would like to work in the field of education, and I am sure through this way I will be able to help my society by providing better educational opportunities.

My name is Pradeesha P. I was part 2014-16 batch of Sobha Icon Higher Secondary course. I am currently pursuing my bachelors in Economics along with a minor course in Development and sustainability at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

Amidst all the financial struggle that my family went through after the completion of my High School education, I was fortunate to get admission for this programme. This opportunity changed my career and opened the doors for a wide range of exposures. This was my fresh start to a world of learning where I got a platform to participate in all

co-curricular (Quizzes, Debates, Group Discussion) and extracurricular (music, danc e, theatre) activities besides receiving a high-quality education. Icon nurtured and amplified my perception towards even small things happening around. The vital role of authorities, faculties, and non-teaching staffs were inevitable towards each stag at Icon. I believe in the transformative role that education plays in every student's life. It also firmly reckon that unlocking the opportunities and striving for the development of the underprivileged, where I come from, is the need of the hour.

Icon gave me a life-changing experience and provided with financial assistance during and after my Higher Secondary education. The admission process for my undergraduate studies was properly guided and mentored from Icon. The educational and personal experiences that I had Icon exposed me to a variety of frameworks and has given me essential skills. I am thankful for all the guidance and support received from Icon. This opportunity made me realise the role that we could play in other lives and be more empathetic.

My name is Mahida M, currently doing

Bachelor’s in Biology and minoring in Education at Azim Premji University. I was part of Sobha

Icon by joining the institution for my 11th and 12th education during 2014 - 2016 and continuing my presence at Sobha till now. I am passionate about doing research in agriculture. I am fortunate to get into Sobha Icon since it has changed a lot of my life’s fate.

Before getting into Sobha Icon, I was a normal girl studying in a government school who had a lot of dreams about agriculture. Now it will be hard for me to define myself without Sobha. I am so grateful to P N C Menon Sir, the Principal Dr. V A Gangadharan Sir, the faculties and other staffs to guided me to greater heights. As a student, I had the best learning experiences from Sobha Icon with the help of dedicated faculties. I could also improve on my thoughts and actions. Sobha Icon taught me to dream big by forgetting about my economic disadvantages. The activities, interaction with dignitaries and well-structured assembly were really helpful to improve my communication skills and confidence to speak out. I think this institution had shown me my potentials and made me confident enough to compete in this world.

Sobha Icon was the only reason behind getting admission into a prestigious undergraduate program at Azim Premji University. The lessons taught in Sobha about academics as well as the society is always a baseline for me to excel in my future studies. The passion for science, especially towards plants was nurtured by Sobha and is still continuing by doing projects at the campus as well as by aiming at doing a Master’s degree in this area. I am getting useful guidance and feedback from Gangadharan Sir and faculties for my Master’s which is really a blessing.

Sobha Icon had taught me to think out of the box and ignited me to come out of comfort zone to compete out in this world as a powerful girl. I am being advantaged by the Philanthropic activities of Sobha and it had shown me how this is important in a young person’s life. Sobha Icon had shown me the influence of education in a person’s life.

Hence I wanted to do more supporting works in the education field and support the society as well as help society through my agricultural works. I would like to give back to society and work for a by brighter future of our society by sharing my ideas and utilizing my capabilities, hence bringing light to the darker areas. I am always proud to be a part of Sobha and I am grateful to Sobha for helping achieve great things in my life. 

My name is Rugmini T P. I am coming from a village called Vadakkencherry in Palakkad, Kerala. I was a part of the 2014-2016 batch of Sobha Icon. I am currently doing my Bachelors in Physics with a minor in Applied mathematics from the School of Liberal studies from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. And I would like to be in the teaching field(concentrating on Maths) in my future.

I feel very proud and lucky to be a part of the Sobha Icon and my way to Azim Premji University wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support that Sobha Icon provided me. I had a lot of problems with my language when I entered Sobha because I was from a Malayalam medium Institution and I wasn’t exposed to English textbooks. This lack of proficiency in English was always a major problem that I had. Now, If I am here in Azim Premji University, competing with a lot of other students from various institutions and various economic backgrounds, it is only because of the foundation and support that Sobha Icon gave me. More than getting a job and continue in life, Sobha Icon taught me to think about how to become a successful, responsible and independent person in life. The various opportunities and resources that Sobha Icon provided us, helped me a lot to improve my communication skills and to build my confidence level and thereby focusing more to achieve my ambition, which is to become a teacher, to interact and communicate with students with different capabilities. 

As a student from an economically disadvantaged family, I do understand the problems that parents face to give their children the best education that they can get. Even if the student has the capabilities, the lack of opportunities become the biggest hurdle for them. In that way, Sobha Icon became the turning point in a lot of our’ lives. Even if I am from a financially disadvantaged family, the confidence and the fire to pursue my career wouldn’t have been there without help from our teachers. The individual attention, proper guidance, reflections and the confidence that our Gangadharan Sir and our teachers had on each of the students, made me more ambitious towards the field that I am interested in. So, for me personally, Sobha Icon is the stepping stone to all my achievements till now and in the future. And all the philanthropic works that Sobha does for people from poor financial backgrounds, are a great model for us in the future as well. I would also like to get back to my society after my studies and do whatever I can do to help them to achieve success, especially in terms of education. And I will be always thankful to PNC Menon Sir, who gave me this wonderful platform and for making me dream big to cherish my aim. 

My name is Sruthi S. I’m a second year B Sc Biology student at Azim Premji University, Bangalore. Cancer and Molecular Biology is my area of interest and want to do research in this field. Apart from this, I’m a civil service aspirant and want to get into the Indian Foreign Service. 

I firmly believe that Sobha Icon was a watershed in my life. It has reshaped my attitude towards society. I am part of Sobha Icon since 2015. The ideology of Sobha on education is unique hence it focuses on well organised curriculum, improvement of leadership skills and communication along with timely guidance and reflections. These aspects has influenced me to improve my academics and communicative skills. It also helped to get admission in Azim Premji University, one of the prestigious liberal studies universities in India. The passion for science and acquired skills from Sobha has made me compatible at APU. I’m glad that I still receive guidance from Dr. V A Gangadharan and teachers on my career building. 

Sobha has helped to break many orthodox beliefs in our village. Indeed, it had helped many girls to come in the forefront and compete with their potentials. Sobha Icon has inspired me to engage in similar social development activities in future. I have learnt from Sir, P N C Menon that an individual could emancipate a society. I believe that this will be an inspiration for my passion. 

My name is Lamiya S. I was a part of the 2015-17 batch of Sobha Icon(Science). Currently, I am a second-year student doing BSc Biology at School of Liberal Studies, Azim Premji University, Bangalore. My minor is Computing and Data. For my post-graduation, I would like to join a course (still not confirmed which course to join in) that integrate both my major and minor (Biology and Data Science).

The foundation that was given by Sobha Icon worth mentioning. The activities that have been conducted on a daily basis during assembly has improved my confidence as well as my communication skill to some extent. Dr Gangadharan sir and the teachers in this institute guided me to start my learning in the correct direction. Before joining Shobha Icon I was unaware of ample opportunities that exist for a science student to pursue a good career. It opened up my mind to the real world. This institution and the people here helped me to do well in my academics. It made me capable of learning independently and to take the responsibility of my studies. They guided me to get into the best institute that I can think of to do my undergrads. Sobha Icon has equipped me with good level of confidence to interact among the diverse students and other people in APU.

Sobha Icon taught me to aim big and work hard towards it. The experience that I had from there was a base to have a mind to help others. The importance of giving back to the society was understood during my schooling at Sobha Icon and I am more aware of it after coming to APU as it is an institute with the same ideology of giving back to the society. 

I am Lakshmi P. Currently doing my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and my minor in Education at Azim Premji University, Bangalore. I am greatly passionate about interacting and connecting with new people, sharing my thoughts and opinions with them at the same time listening to other perspectives. My area of interest specifically is in social cognition and cognitive science. I have been a part of Sobha Icon from 2014(2014-2016 batch). Even though I am from an economically disadvantaged family and my parents haven’t acquired any educational qualification beyond tenth grade they have always showed interest and concern in my studies. 

Evaluating my own schooling, I can clearly state that Sobha Icon successfully provided me the best schooling and quality education. At present being a minor student in Education, I would also say that Sobha Icon as an educational institution was successful in providing equal opportunities for education especially for students from marginalized communities and the institution with its well-organized programme planning, enriched resources including the faculties and staffs were capable to cherish the aims of education like the intellectual and personal development of each students, inculcate prosocial values in students and thus mould productive citizens for tomorrow. Having an in-depth focus on academics, the institute was also giving equal importance to the student’s skill development like communication skills and language development. Thus I have learned and improved a lot from my experience in Sobha Icon. All these aspects helped me in pursuing my undergraduate from one of the top universities in India and have fledged me to plan my future.

From the very first moment I came to know about the institution, I have started admiring the person behind all these good deeds. Being a part of these programme for more than five years and understanding its pronounced mission and vision I wish to be a part of it in the coming future. Thus in a long run, whichever career I am a part of I will definitely make sure that at least one child who is in need of a supporting hand will not be desperate because of his/her vulnerable life situations. I will always be grateful for P N C Menon Sir, Dr. V A Gangadharan Sir and each and every person who is a part of Sobha Icon.

My name is Simimol S. I am currently doing BA in economics at Azim Premji University Bangalore. I am doing my minor in education. I am interested in doing masters in economics. Furthermore, I wanted to engage in a teaching profession with the motive of create change in the society.

I completely feel that Sobha Icon was a turning point in my life. I am part of Sobha Icon since 2015. Sobha  Icon is completely unique from other educational institutions by its pedagogy, because of that I could be able to develop myself in a different way in terms of confidence and communication. This was really helpful for me to be a part of well known liberal arts university (Azim Premji University). Sobha Icon taught me how to be more self confident and to aim for big dreams.

My name is Santhosh R. I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. 

I have been part of Sobha Icon since 2012. I feel really lucky to be part of it. It very much helped me in my overall growth as a student and as a social being. The pedagogy followed by the teachers was crucial in the academics and their regular guidance throughout was significant, which you rarely find in other schools. A healthy student-teacher relationship itself reduces half of the burden in studies. Also, other than academics, it improved my general awareness through various interactions and assemblies, which couldn't have happened if I was not a part of it. The efforts made by Dr V A Gangadharan for these are worth mentioning.

As a student who studied in schools where communication in English was not compulsory, Sobha Icon helped me a lot in improving my communication skills in English and made me fit for surviving in the present college. Also, it supported for my personality enhancement. I was able to come across a good number of eminent persons. Interactions with them were useful for the development of my own personality. They were quite motivating also. I feel very much privileged as many of friends didn't get a chance to do so.

Whenever or wherever there is a situation, where I have to do the same as Sobha Icon helped me, I won't miss that opportunity. The lessons from APU also made this thought much stronger. Maybe this is the way through which I can show my gratitude as this gives me a sense of purpose and happiness in doing something for others who need it more. 

I am Sabira S. I was part of Shadow Icon and Sobha Icon at Moolamcode. I studied at Government HS  School

Kizhakkencherry from 8th to 10th and then higher secondary in Sobha Icon. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate in BSc. Biology from Azim Premji University. I am currently in the second year. I would like to continue my postgraduate in Biology related subjects especially Ecology, Clinical Science or Plant Science. I aimed to become a Professor or Researcher. The experience from Sobha Icon program was very helpful since I reached at this University only because

of their guidance. I got a different kind of exposure from Sobha Icon like academics, yoga and karate and also we got chances to interact with many people within the country and outside the country. This program gave me the courage to do whatever I like. Even to attend interviews. I have confidence that I can pursue my goal and I can support my family too in the future. From the experiences that I got from Sobha Icon and Azim Premji University, I got a dream to work for my society in the future. 

Name : ​Karthika S. 

Course :​ BSc BEd Biology

Aim : ​Do research in Food science and to work as a professor. 

Sobha was really a turning point in my life. It extended me an opportunity to enroll into a well esteemed university in Bangalore. Also the support given by Dr. V Gangadharan Sir, teachers and other staffs for my academics and other activities was helpful to mold myself in many aspects. 

Takeaways : ​Sobha helped me to build confidence and compassion towards society.

Name: Fathima Saila S.​

Course: ​BA Economics

Aim:​ Entrepreneur

Experience at Sobha: As a student, I got the best learning experience from Sobha Icon. Sobha Icon helped me to mold myself in every aspect as a good citizen. ​I gained enough confidence, courage and compassion from there. 

Takeaways: The​ major takeaway that I gained from Sobha is how to be an honest person in our life. I am doing my education by the help of the extended hand that opened by the philanthropist PNC Menon sir, therefore, my great ambition is to give back the same to the society.

I am Drissya.M.V.

Course:B.Sc.B.Ed Biology

My aim is to do research in genetics and to work as a professor as well. I also have an interest in dancing and I am planning to continue it along with my studies.

Sobha Icon really helped me a lot to pursue admission in this Azim Premji University. Dr.Gangadharan sir and teachers are still helpful and it is their advice which guides me in my educational life. I have learned the essence of life from Icon, to become an icon in life.My biggest dream is to sponsor an orphan and help him/her to achieve the dreams. I am sure that

this helping attitude is what Sobha had taught me.

NAME: Ameena

COURSE: BA Economics

AIM: I am interested in teaching field. I would like to be a good lecturer.

It has been eight years I am part of Sobha. I am loss at words when I think about the support I got from sobha for my studies. Sobha acted as a “horegallu” for me when I was depressed and extended a helping hand to move ahead in my studies. I realized from sobha that, helping others is the best quality that every person should have in their life.I am the beneficiary of the philanthropist PNC

Menon sir. I would like to be a shade for the people who need

support in education.

Name :Manjima.K.Manoj

Course: BA Economics

Aim: Professor

I had a wonderful experience in Sobha Icon. It provided a great platform to study and improve my skills. I studied for only two years in Sobha, but I am able to notice the changes that I gained during the period. It was not only in academics. The activities conducted in the assembly was helped me to improve my self-confidence. Sobha's CSR project is actually a helping hand for others. I also got help from Sobha, so I want to return it back to society by

helping others, especially in education. Because education is the best way to escape from poverty.

My name is Sreelekha.S and I am currently pursuing my degree in BA Economics from Azim Premji University. I have been part of Sobha Icon from the year 2012. Sobha was really a turning point in my life. Sobha gave me a platform to think about my aims and abilities and guide me to join in a good university. As a girl from a poor background, it was really hard for me to choose a good decision for my career. Sobha helped me a lot to make sound decisions in these kinds of ambiguous stages in my life.

It helped me to reshape my ideologies about society and people. Now my aim is to do something to the society, especially students from weaker sessions of the society to accomplish their dreams. This is what Menon sir did for us. I would like to take teaching as my profession to achieve my dreams 

My name is Gokul. Getting admission to Sobha, I will say it was the turning point in my life. If I was not in Sobha, I wouldn’t have got to know about the institutions outside Kerala or will be studying in any good institutions like this. It was the advice by my teachers especially Gangadharan sir that helped me to think beyond the thoughts of a common student in a village. I was also able to meet people from different fields and get to know about their experiences in life and career, which helped me to plan my future.

                                                         Now I am doing my BSc-BEd programme in Biology to be a teacher in biology for higher secondary students. If I feel this is not enough for me and the condition in my family and my surrounding are supporting, after my completion of BEd, I will continue my studies and take a PhD. Anyway, I think I will be able to transfer all the virtues that I gain in my life to my students.

Name :​: Sreelakshmi Venugopal.

Course​:  BSc.BEd Biology

Aim​: To become a professor after accomplishing research in Neuroscience especially on neural circuits.  I was a member of Sobha Icon 2016-18 higher secondary batch. Sobha was a pillar in my life, who taught me to dream big. The support giving by Gangadharan sir and teachers were really helpful to make each step towards my future.As I'm not from an economically strong family, my ideas about my future were limited. But Sobha Icon made me overcome those limitations and showed me an ample amount of opportunities to excel in life with my skills. 

I chose Azim Premji university with the help of my teachers and sir, as they made me confident that I can excel in Biology and have the ability to enter into the teaching profession. I got a clear picture of my future and the path I should cover to achieve my aim. 

My ultimate aim in life is to become a teacher as I consider teaching as a divine profession. I like to be a light in students life to remove darkness like Sobha was in my life. The role played by Sobha in my life is worth mentioning. I want to reflect the same to the society I live in. Overall Sobha made me responsible enough to make use of best in me.

I am very glad that I got a chance to study in one of the best university for my bachelor programme. The exposure I'm getting in different subjects other than the major is one of the best quality I found in college. University is encouraging me to explore things on my own and enjoy the delight of learning the subject. I am confident that I will be able to manage to decide the best option for my masters after the undergraduate programme.

I am Sreeraj. I completed my secondary schooling at Sobha Icon in 2018. Now I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Economics at Azim Premji University with the help of Sobha Icon.

My ultimate aim is to assist my family. That doesn’t mean I am selfish. I can only help others if I can stand on my own leg. I want to support students, who are talented but unaware of the opportunities they have in society. After graduation, I would like to pursue my Masters in the same discipline without depending my family. 

Life in Sobha Icon was one of the consequential time in my life.

With the help of Sobha Icon programme, I was able to realize my

best potential in the academics, especially during higher secondary. Studying in Sobha Icon not only supported me in my academics but also helped me in moulding my character. Pieces of advice and motivation from my HoD and Latha mam, developed a never give up attitude within me. After passing out from the school also, keeping contact with the teachers helps me to overcome the academic stress and pains. 

The exposure I am getting from Azim Premji University is entirely different from any other educational institutions I have studied till now. Here I have to study and explore by myself. Which is enjoyable on one side and struggling on the other side. This is my second semester. Where the courses are getting tougher. During my first semester, I was so tensed to speak english to others in the beginning. It's quite easy to imagine how difficult it is to speak english for a student like me in between those students who grew up all the way along with english. But, towards the end of the first semester I understood that, it is not important how well I speak english, but how confidently I speak.Obviously I learned this form Sobha. The major difficulty now I am facing to foresee my future. I hope I will get a definite idea about my career during my three-year course at Azim Premji University. Life at APU not only supports me in my studies but also teaches about the survival in the contemporary world.