Neha Agarwal, is a bright and dedicated student from Kabirdham School, Chhattisgarh, in the district of Kabirdham. Currently studying in the 12th grade, Neha is good in academics and has a keen interest in banking and finance trade. Her journey toward success began in the 11th grade when she gained hands-on experience through her school’s vocational training program.

As part of her curriculum, Neha and her classmates visited Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank for a vocational internship for 10 days. During her time as an intern in this 80 hour internship, Neha learned the intricacies of banking operations, customer service, and financial transactions.

After 10 days of internship Neha’s commitment to learning and contributing to the banking sector motivated her to continue working at the bank voluntarily. Over the past year, she has dedicated her time to assisting people in filling out forms, guiding them through banking procedures, and helping bridge the gap between customers and the banking system. 

In Kabirdham School the bank organized a competition to encourage students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on societal issues. The competition required participants to write an essay on corruption and “bank samadhan”. Neha, wrote a four-page essay on the topic, which impressed the evaluators. Her essay stood out among all the submissions, earning her the first position in the competition. As a mark of appreciation, she was awarded a prestigious medal by the bank.

Her parents, overwhelmed with pride, see a bright future ahead for their daughter. They deeply appreciate the exposure and opportunities she has received through the school’s initiatives. Likewise, her vocational teacher, Mr. Shiv Sinha, has been a guiding force, constantly motivating and mentoring her throughout her journey.

He is confident that Neha will achieve great heights in the banking sector and beyond. Neha’s story is an inspiring example of how vocational education can empower students to gain practical knowledge and real-world experience while still in school. 

Vocational Trainer: Nagendra Dewangan 

Trade: Banking & Finance 

School: Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Chhura, Chhattisgarh

My name is Nagendra Dewangan, and I work as a vocational trainer specializing in Banking and Finance at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Chhura, Chhattisgarh. I always focus on providing hands-on vocational training to students, ensuring they gain practical knowledge in the financial sector. 

Under my guidance, 30 students from the 11th and 12th grades participated in a 10-day, 80-hour internship at the CSE Centre, Varsha Choice Centre, Chhura organized by our school. This internship provided them with exposure to financial operations, including processing PAN card form, updating Aadhaar cards, filling out bank documents, and processing Aadhaar applications. They also learnt how to conduct online transactions, gaining real-world insights into banking procedures. I am very proud to share that two exceptionally talented 11th-grade students, Durgeshwari Thakur and Pooja Sharma, demonstrated their creativity and technical skills by developing a working banking model resembling an ATM. Using batteries, motors, LED lights, and switches, they successfully created a prototype that mimicked the money withdrawal process. Once the switch was pressed, the model’s light blinked, and money was dispensed, simulating a real ATM machine. They crafted the model using a paper box, showcasing their creativity and technical skills.

The project received appreciation from their classmates, teachers, and school authorities. The principal of the school and I, as their vocational trainer, are immensely proud of their accomplishment. The impact of vocational education in our school has been significant, providing students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the financial sector. Witnessing the enthusiasm and growth of my students in this environment has been an immensely gratifying experience, further fuelling my passion as a vocational trainer.

Rajeswari Sahoo, is a student from Government Higher Secondary School, Kotri, Chhattisgarh, has been  studying Banking and Finance (BFSI) as her vocational subject since the 9th grade. 

Among all subjects, Rajeswari finds BFSI the most interesting because it provides access to guest lectures and industrial visits. She has also worked on various models, projects, and posters, attended practical classes, engaged in group discussions, and participated in role-playing activities. She appreciates the practical knowledge she gains from this subject, which she finds highly applicable in her daily life. Rajeswari enjoys guest lectures the most, as they provide her and her classmates with valuable insights and industry knowledge. 

Last year, during her 11th grade, Rajeswari and her classmates participated in an internship at the nearest Indian Bank, an opportunity organized by their school. During the internship, she learned essential banking procedures, such as filling out bank forms, handling money transactions, and understanding the fundamental operations of a financial institution. Having previously visited the bank as a customer, working there as an intern provided her with a completely new perspective and invaluable hands-on experience. Her family members were delighted to see her gaining practical work experience at the bank, recognizing the importance of vocational education in shaping her future. Rajeswari has always been a diligent student, and her vocational teacher, Ajay Kashyap, believes she has a bright future ahead of her in the financial sector.
 

Rupesh Bandhe, a hardworking and talented student from Raita village, completed his 12th grade in 2024 at Dr. K.C. Baghel GHSS Silyari. He comes from a financially modest family. Rupesh’s father, Khelawan Bandhe, is a farmer and laborer.

Rupesh aspired to prepare for the civil service exams after completing his studies, but due to financial constraints, he had to put his dream on hold and seek employment to support his family. Thanks to the knowledge he gained from the BFSI trade in school, Rupesh secured a job as an accountant at Bhawani Mouldar Pvt. Ltd., Urla, Siltara. In his role, he manages all the billings and stock of goods and materials for the company. Earning a monthly salary of Rs. 10,000, Rupesh has significantly contributed to his family’s financial stability. His vocational teacher, Bharti Chandrawanshi, is incredibly proud of him , and his parents are overjoyed by his early career success.

Despite his current responsibilities, Rupesh remains determined to pursue his dream of preparing for the civil service exams while continuing to work. His dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to many, proving that vocational education can open doors to opportunities and financial independence even in challenging circumstances.

Yangyan Narayan, a bright and ambitious student from Kotri village, studied at Government Higher Secondary School, Kotri, Chhattisgarh. Under the guidance of his vocational trainer, Ajay Kashyap, he pursued Banking and Finance (BFSI) as part of his vocational education. 

In 2022, during his 12th grade, Yangyan, along with his classmates, had the opportunity to participate in an internship organized by the school and funded by vocational education programs. This hands-on training provided him with real-world exposure to financial concepts, particularly budgeting and financial planning. 

Yangyan’s family runs a catering business named “Sahoo Tent House,” managed by his elder brother. The business specializes in providing tent decorations and event setups for weddings and other functions. After acquiring knowledge in BFSI during his internship and vocational classes, Yangyan  realized he could apply these skills to help his family business. He took the initiative to assist his brother, focusing on budgeting, expense tracking, and financial calculations.  Inspired by his experience and the impact he had on his family’s business, Yangyan decided to build a career in finance. After completing his 12th grade, he enrolled in Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) program to deepen his understanding of financial management and business administration. Now in his third year of B.Com, he is determined to further expand his knowledge and take “Sahoo Tent House” to greater heights. Once he completes his studies, he plans to help his brother grow their venture.

His family members are immensely proud of his achievements. His vocational trainer, Ajay Kashyap, also expresses great pride in Yangyan’s dedication and success, believing he is a role model for other students pursuing vocational training.