Stories of Transformation: Rural Women Share Their Journeys

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 "I have been associated with Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh since my under-graduate studies. At that time, I was dependent on my family for my education. After joining the Foundation, the mentoring program inspired me to become self-reliant, which further boosted my self-confidence. I also received guidance to move forward in my career. Along with this, by being connected with the foundation, I got work that provides me with a good income. I use this money for my studies, books, and fees, which gives me financial independence.

With the help of Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh, I was able to build my own identity, my social network expanded, I met many new people, and received guidance from mentors, which helped me in fulfilling my dreams. Earlier, I was very afraid to try anything new. But now, whenever I want to learn or do something new, I feel quite confident. For example, in moderating programs, earlier I was not at all comfortable speaking in front of people, but after joining Astitva Foundation, I gained confidence. Along with this, I also learned the importance of teamwork.

In the end, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the foundation. I would also like to thank Anupam Diwan ma’am, who has greatly helped girls from rural backgrounds like us to become self-reliant. Thank you, ma’am."

- Teena Nishad

 " I have been connected with the Astitva Foundation since the early years of my college journey, and throughout this time, the entire team has supported me through thick and thin. A special mention goes to Anupam Diwan Ma'am, who has been a guiding angel for me, always ready to help whenever I needed it. She has consistently inspired me to achieve great things in life, both academically and personally. Her words of wisdom have pushed me to never give up attitude. 

 Today, I have been selected as a Mathematics Lecturer at Swami Aatmanand School, Chingrajpara. This little feather is a result of the guidance and motivation I received from the Astitva Foundation. They not only helped me find the path between right and wrong but also encouraged me to pursue excellence and integrity in every step of my life. 

 The values instilled by the foundation have given me the confidence to believe in my potential and take on new challenges. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth, learning, and giving back to society in the same way I was helped. "

- Aabha Patel

"I am Sonali Khandey, currently working as a Trained Graduate Teacher in Mathematics at the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGRS) Government school at Rupsera village, Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh. 

I am always interested in learning new skills, which is why I participated in a mushroom farming workshop organized by Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh, at Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur. It was a great experience for me. Through this learning, I can teach students how to prepare a mushroom garden. During the workshop, I met Anupam Diwan ma’am for the first time, and I found her truly inspiring.

The biggest learning I received from Astitva Foundation is about leadership and responsibility, along with the experience of working in teams. 

I also gained exposure to a wider social network. Being associated with the foundation gave me a deep sense of inner satisfaction, and I realized that helping others brings a special kind of peace. 

Through this journey, I experienced professional growth and significant improvement in my personality and communication skills. The greatest benefit I received from Astitva Foundation was an increase in my self-confidence and leadership abilities. I also got the opportunity to work with people from different sections of society, which broadened my perspective even more. "

- Sonali Khandey

 I joined Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh in 2022 and participated in the mentoring program. This gave me the opportunity to learn something valuable from each mentor, while also getting inspired to progress in life. Through Astitva Foundation's Atmanirbharta Project, I got work that allowed me to meet my own needs.

The Foundation also gave me a golden opportunity to work as a teacher in my village school, which not only gave me an income but also helped me learn a lot of new things. I found great joy in teaching children. Gradually, my self-confidence grew and the fear within me disappeared. Being associated with the organization inspired me to become self-reliant.

Earlier, I used to feel uncomfortable and hesitant 

while talking to people or socializing with them. But after joining the organization, my self-confidence grew, and today I can speak openly with everyone. This feels like the biggest change in me. The skill development training under Astitva Grameen Hastshilp introduced me to the art of block printing, enabling me to print my own designs on fabric and showcase them. I also became the manager of Kaushal Kendra. I was very happy that ma'am gave me this responsibility and considered me capable enough to handle this work. It made me feel really good.

I am grateful to Astitva Foundation. I also thank Anupam Diwan ma'am, who motivated me to move forward at every stage and boosted my confidence."

- Tanu Sahu

"I have been associated with Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh for the past five years, since my undergraduate days. This foundation has given me numerous opportunities to learn, helping us move forward and become self-reliant. For a rural girl, it is very difficult to step out and do something on her own. Initially, I knew very little, but after joining the foundation, I learned many skills. Here, I earned my first income, which is very special for everyone. I spent this income on my education, which I used to depend on my family for. Now, I have become self-reliant and also contribute to helping my family.

Astitva Foundation taught us how to communicate with people and work together as a team. Girls in the village are often afraid of how to continue their studies or work, but the foundation encouraged us to move forward without hesitation, become self-reliant, and pursue our education. I am extremely grateful to this organization for giving me the opportunity to join the Atmanirbharta project, which has made me financially independent and able to fulfil my own needs. Now, without fear, I have been able to establish my identity.

I would like to thank Anupam Diwan Ma’am, who has empowered girls like us to move forward. She taught us to progress, create our own identity, and become self-reliant. Thank you, Ma’am, for connecting us with this foundation. You have helped every girl to grow and succeed. Your support and guidance always motivate me to progress in life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

- Kanchan Nayak

 "My name is Aakansha Verma and I am currently enrolled in the B.Ed program at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. I have been associated with Astitva Foundation, Chhattisgarh for nearly six years. After the mentoring program, I joined the foundation's Atmanirbharta Project, and I used my income I earned from it very thoughtfully. First and foremost, I took care of my own needs and those of my family. This income gave me the strength to make my own decisions without depending on others.

Beyond the income, I gained confidence, respect, and an identity. I began to feel proud of my work 

and realised that I too can contribute equally to 

my family and society. When I earn, I feel an immense sense of pride and joy. It feels as though 

I am standing on my own feet and am capable of taking responsibility for my own life. This feeling strengthens me mentally and motivates me to 

keep moving forward.

The greatest lesson Astitva Foundation has given 

me is that every woman has something special within her, she simply needs the right guidance 

and opportunity to bring it out. I also learned to be self-reliant, to believe in myself, and to never give up. The biggest change is that I no longer see myself as weak. I see myself as capable and independent. Where I once hesitated, I now step forward with confidence. My thinking has changed, and now I look at my future with positivity and hope. Thank you."

- Akanksha Verma

 " I am very happy to join Astitva Foundation. I have been associated with them since 2022. All the mentors in the mentoring program helped me grow in my career and achieve my goal. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Astitva Foundation. 

 I am working as a laboratory technician at Shri Venkatesh Hospital. Today I am self-reliant and am fulfilling my needs and dreams through my hard work. The mentoring program of Astitva Foundation inspired me to work hard and dream big. All the mentors gave their valuable time and told us how to face the difficulties in life and keep moving forward. All this is the result of guidance and inspiration given by Astitva Foundation. I would like to thank Anupam Diwan ma'am and Astitva Foundation very much. "

- Khushbu Sahu

 "I joined Astitva Foundation during my undergraduate studies. At that time, I was completely dependent on my family for my education. After becoming a part of the foundation and enrolling in the mentoring program, I was inspired to become self-reliant, which further boosted my confidence. Earlier, I was afraid to travel alone, but after joining self-reliance project of Astitva Foundation, I gained the confidence to step out, interact with people, and improve my communication skills. Now, I am able to travel to Raipur and have successfully completed my Masters degree. 

Currently, I tutor children from grades 1 to 10 while also preparing for competitive exams. Thanks to Astitva Foundation, I am now financially independent and can afford to buy books, test series, exam forms, and take coaching with my income because I am determined to advance in my career. I feel deeply motivated by Anupam Diwan Ma’am and want to express my heartfelt gratitude to her for introducing me to Astitva Foundation and guiding me through life’s challenges, and helping me overcome obstacles. "

- Vidya Yadav

 "I am grateful to Astitva Foundation for playing an important role in my life. Astitva Foundation's mentoring program has taught me the values ​​and principles of life, which has proved to be helpful in giving a direction to my life and career. I got the opportunity to join this foundation which helped me achieve my goals and contributed to becoming a better human being.  

 Today I am working as an Admin in a good prime property office in Raipur city. And I am fulfilling my dreams on my own. All this is a result of the guidance and inspiration of the Foundation. The values instilled by them has given me the confidence to believe in my potential and take on new challenges. I want to thank Astitva Foundation for everything. "

- Rupali Nayak

 " I am very happy to join Astitva Foundation organization. At Astitva Foundation, girls and women are encouraged to become self-reliant. After joining this NGO, I got training in rural handicrafts and art, after which I started getting orders. Now I am able to earn income. Astitva Foundation has made me self-reliant. I thank Anupam Diwan Madam ji who made all the women and girls associated with Astitva Foundation self-reliant. Thank you Diwan madam. "

- Shraddha Verma

"This is the biggest lesson of my life that I can achieve my goals even by working hard. I am very happy that I can fulfill my needs based on my abilities. I thank Anupam Diwan Madam for giving me the opportunity to reveal the art hidden within me. I want to thank Astitva Foundation which gave me a new inspiration. Today, I am self-reliant because of them and can help my family household expenses with my earnings. With my income, I will buy clothes for myself and my sister and will buy silver for my mother.”

- Priyanka Verma