One life, many stories

Naidupalem is a nondescript village nestled in coastal Andhra Pradesh, that roughly 500 households call their home. A village of paradoxes, Naidupalem is lush green, endowed with natural resources and a rich culture. Yet her people are steeped in poverty.

Here is the story of Bhavani Erelli, born into a farming family in Naidupalem, whose parents barely attended school. It is not merely a story of overcoming hardships but one of a young girl who used her personal struggles to fuel her zest and passion for a life of meaning.

Early years

Financial hardships, the everyday struggle to make ends meet and lack of access to resources were not uncommon for Bhavani in her childhood. However, her parents were her source of inspiration. They ensured that Bhavani completed her education, despite their struggles and long-enduring privation.

In her words, “Our family income was very low. But my parents were determined to give my brother and myself a good education to lead better lives. They encouraged us to study well but the means were very limited. We could not imagine what tomorrow would hold. What I still consider the first light in our lives was when my brother secured a free seat at a Navodaya school. This inspired me to a great extent. He was also one of the first in our village to get a government job. This changed a lot for our family in terms of our outlook, honor and pride.”

After graduating from high school, Bhavani was determined to pursue higher education. She sought admission at an engineering college in Vishakhapatnam. At the same time, anxieties related to the funding of her college education crept in. Having studied at a government school, she never had to worry about this aspect before. Her teachers and mentors encouraged her to follow her passion and introduced her to Wipro’s Santoor Scholarship Program that could aid her pursuit in some ways.

She says, “While education may have been possible, I would have found it very difficult with me having to constantly worry about the expenses that I would need to bear to continue my education. The scholarship program came in at the right time, and it was a ray of hope for me, as it enabled me to pay my education fee and bear the allied expenses.

“This freed my parents largely from the financial burden. It took a huge load off my back, and I was able to stay focused on my studies. I certainly felt that my hard work and potential were recognized, giving me the confidence to continue striving for academic excellence.”

The many voices

While navigating through her college life, Bhavani often wondered what life after school would be for other girls like her. That thought stayed with her beyond college. Her experiences have had a role in shaping her present self. There were many voices in her head, demanding her attention. However, Bhavani took things one day at a time. She persevered.

Fast forward to 2025, Bhavani is a systems engineer working for Mindtree in Hyderabad for over three years now. This journey wasn’t an easy one yet one that was worth her time. She is at a point where she is eager to give back to society and advocate for girls’ education within her village, Naidupalem.

Can education be truly transformative?

“Education is the most powerful weapon, and it plays an important role in women’s lives. It empowers them with knowledge and skills and increases their self-confidence. It also opens doors to better job opportunities and financial independence. Educated women are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, family and future. They often become advocates for their children’s education and well-being. This creates a positive ripple effect in communities, across generations,” says Bhavani.

“Becoming an earning member has been a turning point in my life. It has given me a strong sense of independence and self-worth. There is no longer a need to rely on anyone for my basic needs or personal expenses. That, in itself, has been empowering. I am able to make my own financial decisions, contribute to the household and even support my family in times of need.

“For my family, it’s been a positive shift too as it helped ease financial burdens at home—be it paying bills, funding my siblings’ education, or simply adding to the comfort and quality of life. My opinions now carry more weight in family decisions, not just financially but emotionally as well. It has also inspired younger members of my family, especially the girls, to dream bigger and pursue careers of their own. In all, earning my own income has not only transformed my life but also brought a quiet but powerful change in the dynamics at home—bringing confidence, respect and a greater sense of balance.”

Conclusion

Just like Bhavani, there are others in our world who often find themselves at crossroads while finishing school. We know education is a human right. However, the lives of the young are often mired with complexities, be it social and cultural barriers, economic hardships, or poverty that pushes them into the labor market.

At a personal level, grit, resilience, hard work and the passion to pursue one’s dreams do propel some individuals. However, the power of support groups and enabling structures at the community level is significant. They help the youth navigate their lives and build their own powerful narratives.

Not every girl needs to be an engineer or a scientist. However, the need to equip the young with the desired skills and experience has to be prioritized. This can foster paths to resilient, safe, happier and sustainable communities.