There’s a world of difference between simple change and profound transformation. Change can be gradual, even superficial. Transformation, however, reshapes you from the inside out. It redefines your boundaries, rebuilds your confidence, and redirects your life’s trajectory. Looking back, I realize I haven’t just changed; I’ve been transformed. And the catalyst for this incredible metamorphosis? The JSW Foundation Fellowship.
For 22 years, my life was beautifully, yet tightly, woven within the fabric of my village. The world outside felt distant, almost mythical.
Then, came the fellowship.
And with it, a journey from:
A girl whose entire existence was confined within her village, the boundaries of my world clearly defined by its familiar lanes…
To someone who now confidently travels across different parts of India, all alone! This wasn’t just travel; it was an explosion of new realities. Experiencing bustling metros for the first time, navigating the vibrant chaos of Mumbai and Pune, and marveling at the distinct landscapes of places like Bhuj in Gujarat. The fellowship’s training was instrumental, opening my eyes to the incredible diversity of India’s cultures and its people. Travelling alone was something I never even expected in my wildest dreams. A deep well of fear resided inside me, but the sheer beauty and wonder of the travel, the new sights and sounds, slowly began to ease that fear, replacing it with a quiet thrill.
An introvert who shrank from speaking to strangers, words caught in her throat, every interaction a hurdle…
To an ambivert who now has the courage to navigate new places, even taking a lift from strangers when needed. That initial fear of solo travel transformed into an unexpected joy. I found myself striking up conversations, genuinely connecting with people I met on trains and buses, even befriending fellow travelers. I developed a real connection to the journey itself, not just the destination.
A UPSC CSE aspirant who carried the heavy weight of perceived failure, the disappointment casting a long shadow over my aspirations…
To an empowered educator who no longer hides her stumbles. Instead, I own them, wearing my experiences as badges of honor, using them to lead and inspire others. This shift wasn’t just about acceptance; it was about realizing that my ‘failures’ were actually foundational lessons, equipping me with empathy and resilience crucial for guiding others.
A girl who had never really ventured into the kitchen, seeing it as an unfamiliar and slightly intimidating domain…
To a rookie home-chef, joyfully experimenting with new recipes and discovering a genuine love for creating delicious meals. Each successful dish, each new flavor combination, became a small victory, building confidence in an entirely new area of my life. The kitchen became a place of creative expression.
Someone with a nascent professional network, essentially starting from scratch with 0 connections on LinkedIn…
To a community builder, fostering a vibrant tribe of over 4700 like-minded professionals. This network isn’t just a number; it represents a wealth of shared knowledge, support, and opportunities for collaboration that I never imagined possible.
A daughter who once felt the sting of being labelled a “failed daughter,” the words echoing with a painful finality…
To becoming the breadwinner of my family, standing tall with a newfound sense of responsibility, capability, and immense pride. This transformation wasn’t just financial; it was about rewriting my family’s narrative and my place within it.
Someone whose social circle was limited to a few local friends, our experiences largely similar…
To having a vibrant network of fellow friends spread across 12 states of India. Each friendship is a window into a different culture, a different perspective, enriching my understanding of our vast and varied country.
A girl who adhered strictly to a self-imposed (and culturally reinforced) rule of never stepping outside after 6 PM, the darkness holding unknown anxieties…
To someone who now travels to 8 different villages every week, covering over 25 km, often well into the evening, driven by purpose and a commitment to the communities I serve. The mission became bigger than the fear, and the impact I could make overshadowed any lingering hesitation.
Someone frequently battling anxiety, often breaking down under the pressure and the weight of my own doubts…
To someone who now smiles wide, finding profound healing and an almost magical joy in the innocent, unrestrained laughter of children. Their light has a way of dispelling shadows, reminding me of the simple, pure happiness that exists in the world and within me.
And perhaps most importantly, the culmination of all these shifts:
From doubting myself every single day, questioning my worth, my abilities, and my place in the world…
To finally, truly believing — I can create something meaningful in this world. 😊 This isn’t a fleeting thought; it’s a deep-seated conviction that fuels my actions and aspirations.
This incredible, whirlwind journey from who I was to who I am becoming has one radiant, guiding star: The JSW Foundation Fellowship 💛.
It wasn’t just a program; it was an incubator for potential, a safe space to falter and rise, and a launchpad for dreams I hadn’t even dared to dream. It provided the tools, the mentorship, the exposure, and most crucially, the belief that someone like me could indeed make a difference. It pushed me into those metro cities, onto those solo journeys, and into those kitchens, trusting I would find my way.
This perfectly imperfect journey is far from over, and I embrace that. Transformation isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing process of becoming. But now, I walk forward with a confidence, resilience, and purpose that was forged in the supportive fires of this fellowship.
To anyone feeling stuck, or defined by their past, know that your “To…” is waiting. Sometimes, it just takes that one opportunity, that one leap of faith, to unlock it.
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