Rooted in tradition, Empowered by education

I come from a humble, conservative family in Hunasagi Taluk, North Karnataka. My father is a farmer, and my mother is a homemaker.

In ancient times, girls weren’t allowed to study sacred texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, but this university opened the doors of equal opportunity, granting girls like me the chance to pursue this sacred wisdom.

I completed a BA in Vedic Studies at Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, and became the first girl in my family to earn an undergraduate degree.

I explored these sacred texts, which enriched my understanding and empowered me with the strength and clarity to overcome life’s challenges with confidence and grace.

In my community, where girls are expected to marry young and higher education is not encouraged, my parents started planning my marriage soon after graduation.

My advice to every girl who feels her voice won’t be heard is to trust your inner voice and have faith. With determination and grace, I believe the impossible becomes possible.

Inspired by the life story of Akkamahadevi, the 12th-century poet, I found the courage to convince my parents to allow me to pursue higher education, despite their initial opposition.

I am now committed and inspired to work towards empowering more girls in my community and beyond.