Karthikeyan came to Cornerstone Children’s Home with his older brother, Rithik Kumar, in 2011. Their parents had separated after their mother had an affair. Due to societal injustice, prejudice, and views on women, it can be extremely difficult for single mothers in India to support their children adequately. In this case, the boys’ mother committed suicide because of the overwhelming stress put upon her. The boys’ only remaining close relatives were their grandparents, but they were too old to care for them, so instead the boys were admitted into the Cornerstone home.
Since arriving at the orphanage, both boys have excelled in their studies. Karthikeyan dreams of becoming a scientist, while his brother wants to become a policeman. They regularly visit their grandparents, but have not heard from their father in several years. Volunteers at Cornerstone are doing their best to encourage, educate, and inspire the boys, so that they can develop the confidence and skills required to thrive in the outside world.
