BAE Celebrates: From Shanti Bhavan to University Dreams

At Broadway for Arts Education (BAE), we believe in the transformative power of education. There's nothing more fulfilling than witnessing our students blossom into confident young adults, ready to take on the world. Today, we celebrate Hemant and Akshay, two shining examples of this very transformation.

Princeton-bound Hemant preparing for the SATs during his gap year.

International Program Manager, Brittany Stone, posing with Hemant and Akshay at their graduation ceremony

Hemant, orphaned at a young age, found a haven in Shanti Bhavan. Here, he discovered a nurturing environment that fostered his love for learning. We found his creative spirit in choir class where Hemant thrived where he was choir leader and a featured soloist. Now, his journey takes him to Princeton University, his dream school, where he'll pursue a degree in international relations and economics. As the first in his family to attend university, Hemant carries the hopes and dreams of those who supported him, including the Shanti Bhavan and BAE community.

Akshay's story is one of resilience and finding one's voice. Witnessing his mother's struggle and the crushing weight of poverty instilled in him a burning desire for a better life. Shanti Bhavan became his sanctuary, empowering him to break free from the cycle of fear and silence. He always showed incredible talents in math and science, but Askhay joined choir to help him overcome shyness and gain confidence in public speaking. Today, a full scholarship to Swarthmore College awaits him. Akshay's path is clear: to use his education to lift his family out of debt and secure a future free from fear.

Hemant and Akshay's journeys are testaments to the transformative power of education. BAE is incredibly proud to have been a part of their stories. Their success inspires us to continue our mission of empowering disadvantaged children through the arts. We celebrate their achievements and know they will continue to shine brightly, leaving their mark on the world.

5th grade Hemant, sharing his his dreams for the future during co-founders Katy Pfaffl and Ben Houghton's first trip to Shanti Bhavan.

Swarthmore-bound Akshay speaking at his graduation in 2023

Akshay and Executive Director, Ben Houghton, all dressed up for Diwali and posing for a photo back in 2015.