She was anxious about whether her name would be chosen. Fortunately, her teacher selected her because she was a good student, enthusiastic, and eager to participate in various activities.
“I am an extrovert – I enjoy meeting people, competing in events, and excelling in my studies. This made me stand out.”
Ruchita began to dream of being chosen. She went for the entrance exam, which included a question-and-answer round. Two weeks later, she received a phone call from Abhyudaya with the wonderful news: “I had been selected! My family and I were overjoyed.”
At that time, they were a family of six. However, only her mother was working, as her father was unemployed and struggled with alcoholism. Just two weeks after this selection, Ruchita’s father passed away. Her mother, a single parent, became the sole support, raising Ruchita and her younger brother. Both children attended a municipal Marathi-medium government school, which made it challenging to keep up with English-medium students.
“Abhyudaya became a crucial support system for me. They provided Sunday classes and extracurricular activities, which greatly boosted my confidence and helped me improve my English. My passion is dance, and they even supported me in learning Kathak. They also offered computer classes on Saturdays and organised sports days, along with memorable summer camps that I still cherish.” Ruchita went on to excel academically, scoring 81% in her 10th board exams.
Every year during the Hastantaran event, mentors were assigned. Ruchita’s first mentor, Swati didi, was a constant source of support. Thirteen years later, they remain connected.
Ruchita began working part-time during her first year of college to support her mother. Throughout her academic journey, she worked in various roles across different departments, gaining diverse skills and valuable experiences. When she graduated, she had accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge that complemented her education.
“Each day was a struggle as I pursued my goals, but I completed my Master’s in Commerce. This achievement allowed me to provide a better life for my family, and it feels extremely rewarding to shoulder my family’s responsibilities and see the positive impact it has had.” Ruchita was looking for a change in her career and applied to SPJIMR. After a challenging selection process, she was invited for an interview.
“My family, especially my brother, was excited, and we anxiously awaited the results. Life, however, can be unpredictable; the day I received the news of my acceptance into SPJIMR was also the day I experienced an unimaginable loss – I lost my younger brother. It was as if my world had shattered in an instant.”
Despite the overwhelming grief and emotional turmoil, Ruchita faced this difficult period with strength. She is still navigating her way through the pain but is determined to emerge stronger.
“In every low moment, the support of the Abhyudaya programme has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. Currently, I am working at SPJIMR in the PGDM department. This role has been a testament to my resilience and my dedication to building a brighter future, not only for myself but for my family.”