“I come from a low background, where every day was a struggle, but amidst the chaos, there were flickers of hope that kept us going.

It all started when I was just a child of four or five, blissfully unaware of the storm that was about to hit our family. My mother, the pillar of our household, was diagnosed with cancer. I can still remember the fear and uncertainty that clouded our home. Despite her illness, she valiantly carried on, managing the household chores while battling her own demons.

My father, once a hopeful politician, shifted gears to become a watchman in a private company, determined to provide for us in any way he could. But fate had more challenges in store for us. As my mother’s health deteriorated, I witnessed her struggle to even eat properly. Yet, she never hesitated in her duties until I completed my 6th grade.

Then came a turning point in my life, a moment of transition painted with tragedy. As I entered my 7th grade, my mother’s condition worsened. I got my first periods then. I wasn’t allowed to step out of the house, bound by the norms of our society. In the hospital, amidst the chaos, my mother passed away, leaving a void that seemed impossible.

Left orphaned, my paternal uncle and his family extended their support, becoming the light of hope in our darkest hour. They took me under their wing, ensuring my education didn’t suffer. My uncle, aunt, and their son, who is my brother, were the reason for where I am today. Yet, we were still struggling for our everyday lives. But just as we started to rebuild our lives, tragedy struck again. A cylinder fire in our neighbourhood had hit our home, reducing everything to ashes.

With nothing but a few saved books, I managed to score over 80% in my 10th grade exams. Only then Ms. Soundarya Srinivasan, a generous donor, stepped forward to support my education journey.

Despite the setbacks, I pressed on, enrolling in a government college. It wasn’t easy. Balancing personal and educational expenses was a tightrope walk. Somehow, I completed my degree and ventured into the workforce.

As I began to earn, I took on the mantle of responsibility, shouldering the burden of my entire family. I work full time, yet learned to apply Mehandi and started moonlighting different other jobs as much as possible too. But just when it seemed like the dawn of a new chapter, tragedy struck again. My paternal uncle, my anchor, passed away.

We dived into darkness. I realized that life is unpredictable.

With my father, who seems like a daily wager, my brother, who has no emotional attachment to any of us, and my paternal family, who are scattered but with love, I took the burden upon me with gratitude. Life goes on, not knowing what will happen next.”