“Abhyudaya helped me transform my weaknesses into strengths.”
The day Shruti got selected for Abhyudaya was the happiest day of her life. She often felt overlooked and unsure of herself. However, everything began to change when she joined Abhyudaya.
“The supportive environment, encouraging mentors, and constant opportunities to grow, slowly helped me step out of my comfort zone. I started gaining confidence, speaking more openly, and believing in my abilities.”
Growing up as a girl in a Marathi-medium government school, Shruti faced several challenges from a young age. One of the toughest was the language barrier; whenever she had to speak or compete in English, she always felt unsure of herself. Coming from a middle-class family where resources, mentors, and career advice were limited, she often had to figure things out on her own, which made the journey feel confusing and overwhelming. Exposure to a variety of activities at Abhyudaya proved to be a turning point. These experiences gave her the encouragement she needed to push through her struggles, slowly transforming her weaknesses into strengths.
“Football taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, helping me overcome my lack of structure and confidence. Chess sharpened my focus and strategic thinking, making me realise that I could stay engaged and perform well even under pressure. Drawing, on the other hand, gave me a creative outlet and boosted my self-expression, helping me find my voice in a way that words couldn’t.”
Today, Shruti works as a Data Administration Associate in a Goods and Services Tax (GST) office, managing and maintaining the accuracy of tax-related records within the GST framework. She has completed a teacher training course, which has equipped her with the skills and expertise to teach many courses such as Abacus, Phonics, and Cursive Handwriting. Shruti teaches pre-Sitaras on Sundays.
“The experience of sitting in those classrooms as a student and now as a teacher at the same institute feels incredibly rewarding, as I have witnessed a drastic change in my role — from learning to teaching. This transition has not only allowed me to give back to the institution that shaped me but has also empowered me to guide new students through their learning journey. It is a humbling and fulfilling experience to be part of Abhyudaya’s journey, helping and guiding others to grow.”
