A Journey of Transformation and Empowerment
Hamara Swabhiman Bharat
I would like to take a moment to share the personal inspiration that drives me in my journey. My family, the biggest influence on my choice of this field. Growing up, I was fortunate to witness the kindness and compassion that has been a core value in our household. This quality runs deep in our family, as my father Shri. Yashwantrao M Shende was one of the kindest and most humble individuals I have ever known.
He was deeply committed to serving others, particularly those who were underprivileged. My father dedicated his time to providing vital information to help others live cleaner lives, emphasized the importance of education, and encouraged children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue government careers and education to create a better future. His actions have left a lasting impression on me, shaping my values and guiding my career path.
This deep-rooted legacy of service, selflessness, and the pursuit of knowledge is what continues to guide and inspire me in my work today. It is a legacy that is not just in our blood but also in our hearts, and it remains my driving force as I move forward in this field.
Throughout my journey with Hamara Swabhiman Bharat, I have been fortunate to have the unwavering support of many individuals who have been closely connected to me—family, friends, and mentors. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in the cause have been integral to my progress and success.
These cherished relationships have provided me with not only the strength to continue but also the inspiration to stay true to my values. Their shared commitment to the vision of a proud and self-reliant India has shaped my approach and kept me focused on our collective goal. Their support has been a testament to the power of unity and community, reminding me daily that no journey is ever taken alone.
As we continue to build the future of Hamara Swabhiman Bharat, I am deeply grateful to those who have been my pillars, helping me overcome challenges and inspiring me to reach new heights in this endeavor.
From a young age, I have always been an emotional person, deeply moved by the struggles of others. The sense of empathy I felt for people in distress shaped the core of who I am. I would go to any lengths to help those in need, finding immense joy in seeing the happiness that my actions brought to others.
Growing up, I was blessed with all the love, support, and happiness a child could ask for, often receiving everything I needed before I even had to ask. This sense of abundance led me to believe that life should be the same for everyone—that everyone deserves happiness and the opportunity to live a life full of joy. Inspired by this belief, I made it my mission to share that happiness, to extend a helping hand wherever possible.
This innate desire to help others has not only defined my journey but continues to inspire me every day to contribute, uplift, and serve. The happiness I receive from making a difference in others' lives is the true reward of this path.
By the grace of Almighty God, I have always been welcomed with open arms wherever I have gone. One of the most fulfilling chapters of my journey began when we launched our initiative focused on children’s education, civic sense, and hygiene awareness in the slums of Bhagat Singh Nagar, Bombay. What started as a humble effort quickly gained momentum, thanks to the overwhelming support we received from the community.
In the beginning, only a handful of children attended our classes. However, within a month, we were amazed to see the numbers grow, with up to 60 children attending in separate batches. To keep them engaged and excited about learning, we designed our educational approach around play and fun activities. This innovative blend of learning and entertainment not only captured the children’s attention but also encouraged more of them to join.
Our initiative successfully created a positive environment where children could benefit from quality education, develop a strong sense of civic responsibility, and learn important hygiene practices—all while having fun. It was truly heartening to witness the transformation as more children eagerly embraced the opportunity for a better future. The success of this program has been a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the will to create lasting change.
Every moment with Hamara Swabhiman Bharat holds a special place in my heart. From promoting education and civic sense to initiating plantation drives, every step has been an opportunity to witness the remarkable growth of children across the country. Watching these young minds flourish in various aspects of their lives—educationally, socially, and environmentally—has been a deeply fulfilling experience.
Through our efforts, we aim to nurture the next generation of leaders who understand the value of education, the importance of civic responsibility, and the need for environmental conservation. The children we work with are not only growing for their own betterment but are also contributing to the growth and prosperity of India as a whole. It is this collective progress that fuels the mission of Hamara Swabhiman Bharat, as we continue to empower and inspire the future of our nation, one child at a time.
By Priya Shende as told to Jamuna Rangachari
