Tejaswini Tanaji Pawar

Breaking barriers: From Sitara to global engineer!

“As a child, I knew one thing clearly — education was the only way to change our condition.”

Tejaswini started her journey as a Sitaras when she was in class 7. A girl with low confidence, weak English skills, and unsure about her future, mentorship and Sunday classes helped her to overcome these challenges. Along the way, she also discovered a passion for drawing.

“Each activity pushed me to think differently, develop new skills, and believe in myself. At Abhyudaya, we were lovingly called ‘Sitaras’ — stars. This name carried a deep meaning: that we were meant to shine bright in this competitive world and stand strong, no matter the challenges.”

Tejaswini was the only child of parents who worked hard to make ends meet. Her father washed cars and mother worked as a domestic helper, together earning just ₹4,000 a month. No one in her family had completed graduation.

Abhyudaya supported her financially with fees and books, ensuring that her education never stopped. The team guided her at every stage until she completed her engineering degree.

“The journey was far from easy. When I was in college, my father had an accident, and my mother could not work. At the same time, my college refused our request for partial payment of fees, and without a scholarship, continuing my 3rd year of engineering felt impossible. But with faith, perseverance, and support, I overcame those challenges and went on to complete my engineering with a CGPA of 9.3, becoming the first graduate in my family.”

Today, Tejaswini works at Capgemini as an Automation Engineer, and has fulfilled her father’s dream of owning a home in Mumbai. From a chawl in Andheri, the family now lives in their own flat in Malad.

Her role involves managing an Australian project, giving her the opportunity to interact with people from across the globe. It has not only strengthened her technical skills but also provided exposure to international work, culture, and collaboration. Looking ahead, she aspires to grow further in the IT field and eventually reach a director-level position.

“My journey is still unfolding, but with dedication and continuous learning, I aim to build a successful career while making my family proud and creating a life filled with growth and purpose.”

Other Chamakta Sitaras