Robin Chaurasiya was forced to leave her job at the US Air Force due to her sexual orientation in 2009.
It's a story straight out of a movie. There's rejection, isolation and triumph at last.
Meet Robin Chaurasiya, the 30-year-old, who broke all the stigmas to achieve success.
Forced to leave her job at the US Air Force due to her sexual orientation in 2009, Ms Chaurasiya displayed steely resolve and came back to India to start her own NGO - Kranti.
Her continued efforts for the rehabilitation of the children of the sex workers have earned her the nomination for this year's million-dollar Varkey Foundation's 'Global Teacher Prize'.
"The exciting moment was waking up and then waiting for the announcement and finally Stephen Hawking announcing my name. That was such an amazing moment," said an excited Ms Charausiya, still trying to wrap her head around her nomination.
Ms Charausiya is among the top 10 finalists from US, Australia, UK and Nairobi among others in the running for a million dollar prize. But for her, it is not just about the money.
"It's just so wonderful to be in this group of 10, they are such phenomenal teachers doing such amazing work all around the world. There are teachers from Pakistan, Palestine and other such places. It's an absolute honour. On a broader scale it means a lot for the community of kids that we work with, the areas that we work like Kamatipura. A majority of the times we spend recognising schools that are doing well with Math and English and Science but there is so much more to life and education," Ms Charausiya said.
The results will be announced on March 13 but her young students and colleagues are confident that no matter what the result, Ms Charausiya is the best.
"She sees good in people and inspires them to become good. People think success is all about graduating or holding a good job but because of Robin, for me success means happiness and that's what Robin has inspired in me." 21-year-old Shweta Katti said.
Ms Katti has been with Kranti since 2011 and due to Ms Charausiya's mentorship and guidance, she got the opportunity to study Psychology at Bard College in New York.