Ludhiana, Sept. 9 -- Literacy has unlocked the gates of education, awareness and opportunity for slum children who once toiled as domestic helps alongside their mothers or picked rags to earn a few rupees for survival. With the efforts of a city-based advocate, these young minds are now appearing for examinations through open schooling, learning computer skills and dreaming of a brighter, dignified future, not just for themselves, but for their families as well.

A 16-year-old Roshni, who moved to Ludhiana from Bihar, never had a chance to join any school board. Her mother works as domestic help and took her daughter along. "When I joined these classes, I knew nothing. Now I know what the Constitution is, what administration means, and I ...