By Kaustubh Vijaya Pramod, Youth Coordinator
Ruchi Pandit, a 19-year-old girl from Laxmi Nagar, Yerwada, grew up in a conservative household that shaped her life with strict rules and limited freedoms. Her parents, migrants from Bihar, worked tirelessly-her father as a supervisor at a logistics company and her mother managing the home. Amid these circumstances, Ruchi lived a life of monotony and restraint, bound by her family’s protective environment. While her peers dreamed of exploring the world, Ruchi struggled with shyness and a lack of confidence. Her daily routine revolved around attending school, helping with chores, and trying to meet the expectations placed upon her. Despite her intelligence and potential, she felt trapped by societal norms and her own insecurities, with no platform to channel her dreams or ambitions.
A Spark of Change
Ruchi’s journey took a positive turn when a friend introduced her to the Youth Resource Center (YRC), a unique initiative of CYDA designed exclusively to empower young people. Initially hesitant, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and explore the organization’s activities. Through YRC, she found a welcoming community and began engaging in various programs that broadened her horizons. It was here that Ruchi realized she had a voice-a voice that could inspire change.
Ruchi’s real journey of growth started when she connected with CYDA.Fascinated by their mission to empower youth, Ruchi joined one of their workshops. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion as she delved into programs addressing critical issues like women’s safety, health and social justice. CYDA became the catalyst that unlocked her true potential, offering her the tools and support to reimagine her life.
Breaking Barriers: Challenges along the way
The road to empowerment was not without hurdles. Ruchi faced resistance from her family, who worried about her spending too much time outside the home. They questioned her involvement in volunteer work. They believed her studies and household responsibilities would be affected. The community members doubted her ability to lead initiatives and create meaningful change. These obstacles could have discouraged anyone, but Ruchi found strength in the guidance of CYDA mentors. They encouraged her to persist, providing the training and encouragement she needed to overcome societal expectations and her own doubts. Their unwavering belief in her abilities inspired her to persevere and prove her worth.
Turning Points: Finding Her Voice
The real turning point in Ruchi’s journey came when she joined the Awaz Hamari campaign, a movement aimed at empowering girls to address community challenges. Immersing herself in the campaign, she discovered her talent for public speaking, street plays, and composing songs. Through workshops and capacity-building sessions, she learned to play instruments like the Dafali and Clap Box, using creative expression to amplify her message.
Ruchi did not stop there. Along with two other girls from the Awaz Hamari team, she led the Surakshit Slum Surakshit Hum project. This initiative focused on improving safety for women in Yerwada slums. Leading from the front, Ruchi conducted awareness drives, engaged with residents and advocated for creating secure spaces for women. Her confidence soared as she witnessed the impact of her efforts, solidifying her belief that she could be a force for change.
Achievements: From Participant to Leader
Ruchi took on leadership roles in projects that required her to manage teams, strategize initiatives, and collaborate with community members. Programs like TARANG equipped her with practical knowledge about women’s health, hygiene, and anatomy, while Youth4Change rallies honed her communication skills and broadened her understanding of societal issues. Her parents, initially apprehensive, became her biggest supporters as they saw their shy daughter evolve into a confident leader. Community members who once doubted her now looked up to her as a role model.
Today, Ruchi leads with passion and purpose. Her work on the Surakshit Slum Surakshit Hum project has already made a tangible impact, creating safer environments for women in Yerwada. Beyond the community, she dreams of transforming India’s education system, advocating for experiential learning that prioritizes real-world skills alongside academics.
A Chain of Change
Ruchi credits her journey of transformation to the support and opportunities she received from the organization. Without CYDA’s intervention, she believes she might still be confined by her insecurities and societal expectations. Now, she aspires to be a “chain of change,” inspiring others to break free from limitations and pursue their dreams. From a shy teenager afraid to speak her mind, Ruchi has grown into a fearless advocate for change, proving that with the right support and courage, anything is possible.
Ruchi Pandit’s story is more than a personal journey-it’s a beacon of hope for youth everywhere. Her transformation shows that challenges can be overcome with perseverance, and meaningful change is within reach when we dare to step outside our comfort zones.
