Komal Keshav Walke

Breaking Barriers from a Village to IT

Komal Keshav Walke grew up in Khedle, a small farming village in Dindori, Nashik, where most families rely on agriculture and higher education—especially for girls—is rare. Growing up in such an environment, the dream of becoming an engineer felt almost impossible.

Her family of four lived on less than ₹1,00,000 a year. Her father worked as a farmer, her mother managed the household, and her elder sister was employed. Meeting even basic needs was a daily challenge, yet her parents encouraged Komal to chase her dream.

The Turning Point: YDF’s Belief and Support

In 2019, Komal enrolled in Computer Engineering at Loknete Gopinathji Munde Institute of Engineering, Nashik. Around the same time, she learned about the Youth Dreamers Foundation (YDF) and the PRIF Scholarship.

Initially skeptical, Komal found guidance and mentorship from the YDF team, who helped her navigate the application process.

From 2020 to 2024, she received the PRIF Scholarship four times, totaling ₹1,37,961. The financial support lifted a huge burden off her family and allowed her to focus entirely on her studies.

Beyond the scholarship, YDF provided mentorship and career guidance, instilling confidence, motivation, and the belief that she could achieve her dreams.

From Education to Empowerment

With YDF’s support, Komal completed both her Diploma and Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. In 2024, she graduated as an engineer—a milestone that once seemed beyond reach for a girl from her village.

Soon after, she joined Capgemini as a Software Developer Analyst. Completing her first year in this role has not only provided valuable industry exposure but also strengthened her family’s financial stability.

The impact extends beyond finances. Her parents now beam with pride, and her journey has become a beacon of possibility for young girls in her village who now see higher education as attainable.

Looking Ahead

For Komal, this is just the beginning. She is determined to grow in her technical career, progress into senior roles, and mentor students from rural areas to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

For her, YDF was not just a scholarship provider—it was a guiding hand that transformed challenges into opportunities. Komal is committed to paying this support forward, inspiring and enabling others to rise.

“Komal’s journey proves that when rural students receive the right opportunity, mentorship, and support, they can break barriers and achieve extraordinary success.”
SDG Impact Summary
SDG 1: No Poverty
Contributing to her family’s financial stability through employment.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Scholarships and mentorship enabled completion of higher education.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Breaking barriers as a woman pursuing engineering and inspiring other girls.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Establishing a career in IT and contributing to economic productivity.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Showing that rural girls can access opportunities equal to urban peers when supported.