Jaipur, June 2 -- A government-run residential school in the small town of Mandana, about 35 kilometres from Rajasthan's coaching hub of Kota, is quietly transforming lives of children from families involved in begging and other vulnerable social circumstances. This year, all students of the school passed the class 10 and 12 board examinations. All 51 students of the school who appeared for the Class 10 and Class 12 state board examinations passed, with several scoring above 80%. For most schools, such results would be a matter of routine celebration. At Mandana, they represent something much larger: a journey from social exclusion and uncertainty to confidence and academic achievement. The institution, officially known as the Government Residential School for Children of Families Involved in Begging and Other Undesirable Activities, is the only school of its kind in Rajasthan. Run by the state's Social Justice and Empowerment Department, it was established to provide children from some of society's most vulnerable backgrounds with access to education, shelter and a stable environment. Many of the students enrolled here have grown up amid poverty, social stigma and insecure living conditions. For some, attending school regularly once seemed impossible. Today, they are competing in board examinations, participating in sports and cultural programmes, and aspiring to careers that once felt out of reach. The school houses 238 students from Class 1 to 12 and provides free education, accommodation, meals, books, uniforms and recreational facilities. The school's academic performance this year has drawn attention across the state. All 20 students who appeared for the Class 12 exam passed. Seventeen secured first division, while two earned second division and one achieved third division. Among the top performers, Ramesh Chand scored 87.6%, while Jagdish secured 83%. In Class 10, all 31 students cleared the exam. 13 obtained first division and 18 secured second division. Nitesh Kumar emerged as one of the highest scorers with 88.67%, while Ramlakhan scored over 86%. Educators say the results reflect not only academic effort but also the impact of a supportive environment that allows children to focus on learning without the pressures and insecurities they once faced. Teachers and staff describe the institution as a home as much as a school. Beyond academics, students receive mentoring, emotional support and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. Officials say this nurturing environment has led to visible changes in students' behaviour, self-confidence and aspirations. Many children who arrived withdrawn and hesitant now actively participate in competitions, sports and cultural events. The emphasis, educators say, is on helping students build self-worth alongside academic skills. Principal Rajesh Kumar Chandel said when these children first enter the school, they are often not interested in studies. "We try to develop their interest by motivating them and facilitating interactions with IAS officers, police officers, sportspersons and other achievers". "Many of them come with habits such as consuming tobacco and other substances, but with counselling and time, they give them up. There are challenges. They get into fights and sometimes even steal. Many are orphans, while in other cases their parents are not connected to their upbringing. Initially, they can be quite notorious, and everyone remains alert around them," he added. However, Chandel said the transformation is remarkable. "All's well that ends well. If a child stays with us for a year or so, they usually continue their education and complete Class XII. On average, around 50 children attempt to run away soon after joining the school," he said. Recalling one success story, he said, "Kamlesh, a student from Ghatoli in Jhalawar, scored 97.86% in Class 10 in 2025. He aspired to become a doctor and has now been admitted to a coaching institute in Kota. There are many such bright students here." State social justice and empowerment minister Avinash Gehlot said the achievements of the students demonstrate that talent exists everywhere and that access to education can significantly alter life trajectories....