Aaiye sunte hain Neelam Ki Kahaani!
#HumansOfShakti
Neelam lives in Chakkarpur, Gurgaon with her mother and brother, in the toughest living conditions, that you and I can only possibly imagine. She was born in a small town of Bihar, Ratwarand and she is presently studying at PM Shri Government Model Sanskriti School, Chakkarpur, Gurgaon.
In a largely patriarchal society where the father is considered the sole breadwinner of the family, she grew up in adverse financial conditions as her mother managed to assume the role of both parents while working and earning for her family as a housemaid. It's not easy, it is not at all easy. Her elder brother is a construction worker, hence, he is currently a big support for the family, income-wise. Together, they earn a modest monthly income of 8000 rupees, which makes it challenging to cover the daily household expenditures and Neelam's education expenses.
DESPITE THE ODDS, NEELAM & HER FAMILY MANAGE TO FIND STRENGTH AND UNITY IN LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS❤️
SARVAM SHAKTI IS HER SOURCE OF STRENGTH, SHE SAYS
Neelam crossed paths with Sarvam Foundation in 2019. She has been a part of the Sarvam family for quite a few years now and has mastered her skills in yoga as well as dance, Kathak to be precise.
Recently, during our Iskcon Temple visit for a stage performance, Neelam mentioned, "Didi, I am so happy that because of the performance opportunities at various venues, we get a chance to visit wonderful places like Isckon. I love traveling and it would not have been possible if I was not a part of Sarvam."
It is not just the training in classical dance, yoga, ethics, values, and other life skills that matter, but the environment. At Sarvam, we ensure that our young girl children, not only receive the important skills training but also find peace, happiness, togetherness, friendship, respect, warmth, and comfort, which are not so common in their day-to-day lives at home and school.
BEDROCK OF SUPPORT FOR THE SARVAM TEAM🤝
Sarvam Foundation's team and Neelam share a complementary relationship. She has played an instrumental role in helping us (the Sarvam team) smoothly take our organization's Sarvam Shakti project ahead. Right from helping Vijay Bhaiya maintain student records to assisting the Administrator with various office-related tasks, Neelam has always proved to be a gem.
For Hemangi ma'am, Neelam is like her second daughter. They both share an inexplicable relationship of love and support.
PERSISTENT LEARNER
Bina Didi has always watched Neelam grow up as a persistent and hardworking young girl.
Like other Shakti students, Neelam also starts her day at around 5:30 AM, helping her mother with all the household chores.
She cooks food, cleans her home, washes the dishes, and then leaves for her school. Coming back from school, after some rest, she gears up for Sarvam classes dressed in Sarvam Shakti uniform. At the Gurgaon Sarvam Centre, she consistently learns Yoga, meditation, and classical dance from 3 PM to 6 PM. Her perseverance, dedication, and learning appetite are beyond comparison.
Her go-getter attitude and all-time wide charming smile leave all of us in awe. Mrs. Hemangi says, "She is truly a golden heart, a pure soul, rare in today's world."
LEADERSHIP SKILLS ARE THRIVING
We have noticed some significant improvements in Neelam's skill set and personality, besides being a keen learner. Her leadership qualities are notably improving day by day.
HOW?
In the learning process, Neelam makes sure that her peers and juniors are also making the most of this opportunity. In the absence subject teacher, she takes charge of tutoring the others and is rather a very firm mentor.
She is a huge pillar of support for this foundation where she voluntarily takes the responsibility to ensure that every student is actively present and participating in all the events of the foundation. She is always taking care of the attendance of other Sarvam students.
CONSISTENT PRACTICE LEADS TO PERFECTION 📚✍️
Being a student at a government school where the English language is seldom practiced, she finds it difficult to communicate in English and often feels anxious about it. But she refuses to give in to these feelings and rather takes it as a challenge that she must overcome this weakness. She ensures to better it, by constantly communicating with her Sarvam friends and seniors in English. She takes online English classes from her teacher, religiously. She prioritizes attending classes, even in urgent situations, driven by a strong desire to learn quickly.
Her proficiency in spoken English has remarkably improved with her constant hard work after following her teacher's instructions at Sarvam Shakti for the past couple of months, boosting her self-confidence. Now she can speak long sentences in the English language fluently, such as "Ma'am, tomorrow can I take leave? I have to help my mother at home."
It is a fact, that she is one of the true hardworking Shaktis at Sarvam. Her mother is proud of her 😊
NEELAM'S SWEET MEMORIES
Neelam cherishes her first Sarvam stage performance in Vasant Kunj, where she nervously performed Yoga on "Ae Vatan." Over 20 confident acts later, from speeches to dance and yoga, she reflects on her growth with a calm heart and steady feet.
Neelam proudly recalls the sweet moment of happiness and pride she saw in the eyes of her close family members, especially her mother, Bina Didi, Vijay Bhaiya, and Hemangi Ma'am, back in 2021, when she earned a trophy for securing 1st place in a three-legged race at a sports event by the Inner Wheel Club district, at Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi 🏆
WELL, NEELAM IS NOT ALWAYS BLUE 💙
Neelam, a name resonating with the deep blue hues of sapphire, isn't confined to a single shade. Beyond the blue, she paints her life with the strokes of hard work, dedication, love, respect, and honesty.
Like an artist with her canvas, skillfully applies mehendi, weaving finesse and creativity into each design.
IN OTHER WORDS, SHE IS A PALETTE OF DIVERSE HUES.
Recently, on 'Karwa Chauth,' she applied Mehndi to the hands of the ladies of nearby residential societies and made a good income along with her Sarvam friends. "If the efforts are consistent and pure, opportunities are endless."
THE WORLD THROUGH NEELAM'S EYES
Neelam, the 18-year-old with big dreams, was asked, "What if you had superpowers?" Guess what? She wants to use her magic to fight against the unfair treatment of girls and make life better for women. She thinks early marriages are a big no-no. Despite being young, Neelam's thoughts are like savior plans – powerful and ready to make the world a better place!
NEELAM HOLDS HER MENTORS IN HIGH REGARDS
Neelam says, "Hemangi Aai, Bina Didi, and Vijay Bhaiya are like role models to me. I learn from them every day. Their support motivates me to keep working hard. I wish to make them and my mother proud."
NEELAM IS THE SUNSHINE AT SARVAM, CONSTANTLY STRIVING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW:)
She's working hard and always spreading love. No matter what, she faces everything with a smile. We hope to see her doing great on her own very soon. Right now, she's focused on getting better at English, and she's doing amazing. Her journey with Sarvam Shakti has been like a fun ride, helping her discover herself in new ways. Neelam is just a lovely soul, making everyone happy around her. She's growing and learning every day, and we can't wait to see where life takes her. Neelam's story is like a little light that can inspire so many. 🌈💕