Introduction
In the heart of Ram Nagar, Yerwada 15-year-old Ishika Pardesi’s life took a heartbreaking turn when she lost her mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, her life had been filled with love and warmth, but losing her mother was like losing a part of herself. The pain of her loss left Ishika feeling isolated and abandoned. With her father turning to alcohol, unable to provide the support she needed, Ishika was left with few options. She moved in with her uncle and aunt, along with their children, in a crowded household of nine.
Her uncle, a hardworking driver, earned a modest income of Rs.15,000/- a month, which was barely enough to meet the family’s needs. The overwhelming sense of loss, combined with the struggles at home, left her feeling hopeless. Despite the best efforts of her uncle and aunt to care for her, Ishika found herself drifting deeper into her sorrow, unable to escape the weight of her grief.
A Glimmer of Hope: Joining YRC
At a time when she needed support the most, Ishika found herself on the verge of emotional collapse. It was during this difficult period that she heard about the Youth Resource Center run by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA). Initially unsure of what to expect, Ishika decided to give it a try. What she found there, however, was a life-changing experience.
Finding Comfort and Support at YRC
The YRC became a safe haven for Ishika, a place where she could process her grief and find emotional support. CYDA mentors, known as Didis, were incredibly compassionate, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. They did not rush Ishika to open up; they allowed her the space to heal on her own terms. For the first time in a long while, Ishika felt like she was not alone.
Before joining YRC, I was very depressed because I was very attached to my mother. Her sudden passing left me distressed. “But after joining YRC, I felt safe. I started sharing my feelings with CYDA’s Didis and the other mentors. They made us feel like YRC is our second home. I like to spend my whole day here.” – Proudly says Ishika.
CYDA’s Support during the pandemic
The support that CYDA provided went beyond just emotional care. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when many families in Ram Nagar were facing severe financial hardships, CYDA stepped in to offer practical help. Ishika’s family was one of the many to receive a ration kit, which proved to be a lifeline during a time of great uncertainty. With nine people in the household, the family’s financial situation was dire. The ration kit from CYDA ensured that they would have food to eat, at least for a little while. It was more than just food—it was a reminder that there were people who cared, people who were willing to help those in need.
Turning point in Ishika’s life
Through CYDA’s support, Ishika’s life began to change. She no longer felt trapped in her grief; instead, she began to see that there was hope for her future. The mentors at YRC encouraged her to pursue activities that helped her express herself, like art and music. These activities gave Ishika a sense of purpose and allowed her to rediscover her passions. As she became more involved with CYDA, Ishika learnt to cope with her emotions in a healthy way. She realized that her struggles did not define her, and that she had the power to shape her future.
CYDA’s intervention was not just about providing immediate relief; it was about empowering Ishika to take control of her life and rebuild her sense of self-worth. She learnt that despite the hardships she faced, she could still find hope and meaning in her life. With the guidance of her mentors, Ishika started to dream again. She began to envision a future where she could overcome the challenges in her path and build a life that reflected her true potential. Today, Ishika is no longer the same girl who walked into YRC with a heavy heart. Thanks to the support and guidance she received from CYDA, she has found the strength to heal and grow. She is no longer defined by her grief but by her resilience and determination. The resources, emotional support, and practical assistance from CYDA have had a profound impact on Ishika’s life, giving her the tools to move forward with hope and confidence.
Ishika’s journey is a powerful reminder of the difference that community support can make. The intervention of CYDA not only helped her navigate her grief but also gave her the opportunity to rebuild her life. With the ongoing guidance and care from CYDA, Ishika is now on a path toward a brighter future, one where she can pursue her dreams and overcome any obstacles that come her way. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of support and compassion.
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer at CYDA)
