From humble beginnings to a journey filled with challenges.
I was born to Venkatesh and Sudha, who later changed their names to Venkatarama and Kumari for official purposes. My early years were marked by happiness that was short-lived. At the tender age of two, I lost my parents, leaving me too young to even comprehend the loss but old enough to carry the weight of it for the rest of my life.
A Childhood of Separation and Struggles
After my parents passed, my brother Ganesh and I were separated. My mother’s family took me in, while my brother stayed with my father’s side. Ganesh, uneducated but hardworking, began laboring at a young age, looking after cows and sheep in our hometown.
At five, I moved in with my grandparents. Though they loved me, life in their home wasn’t easy. By the time I started living with my aunt, things became even more challenging. As a child, I could see the difference in how she treated me compared to her own children. I often wondered, “Why am I not enough? Why don’t I deserve the same love?”
The emotional pain grew unbearable. At the age of 10, I left home. With no plan and no place to go, I wandered the streets, spending a year surviving on whatever scraps of kindness I could find. Hunger became a constant companion. The nights were cold, lonely, and endless. I often lay on the hard ground, staring at the stars, asking questions only silence could answer.
A Ray of Hope in the Darkness
One day, while I was sleeping on the street, my mother’s elder sister found me. Shocked and heartbroken, she asked, “Where have you been all this time?” I poured out my story, telling her how I felt unloved and unwanted at home. She didn’t judge me but promised to help. She introduced me to Sparsha Trust (NGO), a place that changed my life. I spent a year in an open shelter where I began to learn, not just academics, but also what it meant to belong. For the first time in years, I felt like I mattered.
Fighting for Education and Dignity
At Sparsha Trust, I returned to school, starting from the 5th grade. Those years weren’t easy. I juggled studies and work, waking up at 4 AM every day to deliver newspapers, milk, and wash cars. The ₹40 I earned daily became my lifeline. It wasn’t just money—it was my pride, my independence, and a testament to my determination.
Through sheer grit, I completed my schooling at Kodli Government High School. I then pursued my Pre-University Course (PUC) at Sheshadripuram College while continuing to work. Now, I’m studying for my B.Com at Vijaya Evening College and a diploma in Janapada, proving to myself and the world that circumstances cannot define me.
Dreams and Gratitude: Giving Back to Society
Today, my life has come full circle. Filled with gratitude for the support I received, I am now giving back by teaching children in government schools. Through programs like School Bell and Learn2Learn run by the Yuvaka Sangha NGO, I contribute to making government schools more engaging and exciting places for students.
These programs aim to "make government schools cool again" by painting classrooms with vibrant murals and introducing creative teaching methods. Every weekend, I join college volunteers to teach kids various topics, helping them explore their potential and dream big. From living on the streets to now inspiring young minds, my journey has been one of resilience and hope.
Finding Family and Fueling Dreams
Sparsha Trust gave me more than a roof—it gave me a family. The people there showed me that love and care are not limited to blood ties. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
Today, I am supported by Vijaya Alumni and Yuvaka Sangha (NGO in Bengaluru). Their generosity fuels my dreams, enabling me to complete my degree and prepare for a brighter future. My ultimate goal is to give back to the community that saved me and made me who I am today.
To anyone reading this, I want you to know: “Life may push you to the brink, but even in the darkest corners, there is light waiting to guide you.”
Life may push you to the brink, but even in the darkest corners, there is light waiting to guide you.”- I APPRECIATE YOUR VIEWS AS ABOVE, ONLY THE GRIT AND TOUGHNESS TOWARDS LIFE CHALLENGES CAN BE MET WITH SUCCESS. YOU ARE A SOURCE OF Inspiration FOR OTHERS. KUDOS TO YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU CHANDAN IN YOUR LIFELIFE TO SERVE THE SOCIETY DESPITE ALL CHALLENGES.