Meet Shivani from Harda. Growing up in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, I never imagined that one day I’d be living independently in Pune, working as an Academic Associate and supporting my family. My journey has not been very easy but every challenge has shaped the person I am today. During my college days in Harda, financial struggles pushed me to take up a part-time job as a private tutor while completing my graduation in 2019. Despite the hardships, I was determined to create a better future for myself and my family. After graduation, I volunteered with Synergy Sansthan for six months. That’s when I had a life-changing conversation with a mentor at Synergy Sansthan . He told me about Navgurukul, an organization that provides free education with a guaranteed job. It sounded too good to be true, so I did my research—speaking to alumni, watching videos, and ensuring it was legitimate. Once convinced, I faced a new challenge: convincing my family. Coming from a small town, the idea of me moving to Pune was daunting for my parents. My mother was the first to say “no,” fearing for my safety and the family’s reputation. I sought help from my friends and mentors, who supported me in making my case. Slowly, I won over my mother and grandfather. But my father remained unconvinced. For weeks, we had countless conversations filled with emotions and doubts. Finally, my mother’s heartfelt plea softened my father’s stance, and he agreed. In a gesture of support, he even dropped me off at Navgurukul in Pune. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. At Navgurukul, I gained technical and life skills that helped me grow personally and professionally. Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve been working with Navgurukul Foundation for Social Welfare, living independently, managing my finances, and even supporting my family back home.
