“From being dependent to being Independent.”
Life is a journey marked by transformation, growth and opportunities. For Asra, a young student taking strides in uncertainty, the journey began with a spark of curiosity. Asra’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the power of education to change lives. From her early days as a recipient of the Udayan Shalini Scholarship program to her implementing sessions as a facilitator at Rubaroo, Asra embodies the spirit of youth leadership and social change.
A Flashback to Beginnings
Tracing back, Asra recalls the pivotal moment when Uma and Pavani approached her college for applications to the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Little did she know that it would be a turning point in her life, igniting a passion for learning that would shape her future endeavours.
“The workshop was nothing that I’d ever imagined. The residential camp helped me open up. Studying in a co-ed college, my parents don’t allow such things. However, my friends became curious about the program, as they also faced similar restrictions. Before this, I’d never been out of my home alone, even a kilometre away. And now, I travel and go alone and be independent.”
Embracing and Understanding
The ELP workshop challenged Asra’s perceptions and broadened her understanding of crucial social issues, including consent, gender violence, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
“When I hit puberty, they didn’t teach about menstruation, using pads and taking care of one’s health. However, now I’ve learned so many things. I’ve realized that consent of all forms is important, regardless of the matter. Not only that, girls are told not to speak loudly or not say anything – it’s a kind of violence. Now I’m vocal about my choices and thoughts even in my family, and my sister is also following suit.”
Post-workshop, Asra implemented the adolescent curriculum for high school students. Changing hats as a facilitator, Asra shares that the learning curve has helped her understand herself better and learn essential leadership and communication skills.
“Previously, I used to call people Bhaiya or Didi or put labels on them, but here I realised there are no labels. It’s about treating each other respectfully, and I talk to everybody with their names. Not just that, I’ve seen that menstruation is slowly becoming less of a stigma while there is a restriction in some places, and we’re still fighting for it.”
The Path Ahead
Embracing the values of inclusivity, Asra’s journey inspires young people to embrace opportunities and capitalize on them. Her advice to aspiring changemakers is simple yet profound: be open, be courageous, and never shy away from asking questions or challenging the status quo.
“Be open, don’t be shy. Clear all your doubts; no doubt is silly,” Asra advises. “If you feel language is a barrier – No. I don’t know Telugu, yet people always translate for me in the workshop. It made me feel involved.”
Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, Asra is shaping a brighter future for herself and those around her, one step at a time.
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