Bhavana was born on a bright and sunny day, on the 1st of May, 2002 in Mysore. Her family consisted of her mother, father and younger brother. Her loving family seemed complete. She began her educational journey in Bangalore, the city of her father’s roots. However, life took a dramatic turn for her when her parents faced challenges in their relationship. Her mother, seeking a supportive environment made the courageous decision to relocate to Mysore with Bhavana’s brother and herself. She enrolled in a prestigious institution in Mysore where she finished her education upto 2nd PUC. As a child, she showed remarkable excellence in her academics, participated in cultural activities and showed excellent leadership skills.
However, her parents’ tumultuous relationship cast a shadow. Her father’s absence and financial exploitation left her mother shouldering responsibilities alone. Her father borrowed money from acquaintances in Mysore, placing more financial burdens on her mother. This instability tested her resilience but she focused on her academics. Her mother’s unwavering love and support ensured her and her brother to never feel the absence of her father. Despite her father’s emotional turmoil and financial neglect, her mother stood strong and her warmth, kindness and dedication created a nurturing environment, overshadowing her father’s harsh treatment.
As a young student, she enthusiastically declared, “I want to be a doctor!” to anyone who asked her about her ambitions. Medicine fascinated her, and she envisioned making a difference in people’s lives. However, reality dawned as she grew older. Her family’s economic constraints made pursuing a medical career unfeasible. She reluctantly set aside her dream, feeling lost and uncertain.Without a clear goal, she focused on academics, moving forward out of habit rather than passion. Her aspirations remained undefined, awaiting rediscovery.
Bhavana scored 95% in her SSLC exams, securing a rank and receiving a gold medal as the top scorer from the Kannada medium. “That moment, receiving the gold medal, remains etched in my memory as one of life’s finest” Bhavana remembers.
Post-SSLC, she embarked on her PUC journey in Science. Initially, everything seemed smooth. However, challenges soon arose- English terminologies proved daunting to her, given her Kannada-medium background. She also was engaged to her father’s sister’s son, arranged by her family. Balancing academics and personal life, she struggled to keep pace. Despite these hurdles, she completed PUC in 2020.
2020 also brought another significant change in her life. She married her fiancé in December and relocated to Bangalore. Initially, everything seemed promising. However, reality soon set in. Her life at home was fraught with tension and constant fighting. She struggled to cope, feeling isolated and unhappy. After 18 months, she made the difficult decision to leave. She returned to Mysore seeking refuge with her mother. Her mother’s continuous support and understanding helped her through this difficult period. Her mother supported her in spite of the wishes of the whole family, acknowledging her suffering and approving of her decisions.
The turmoil of her failed marriage and disrupted education left her feeling depressed as she slowly retreated from society. Months passed and her world shrunk to the confines of her home. Then, her mother’s words pierced the darkness: “Bhavana, how long will you waste away? You’re letting life slip by. Go outside and do something!”. Her mother’s gentle urgency sparked a glimmer of determination as she realized that hiding wont heal wounds and inaction wont change her fate.
With a renewed resolve, she ventured out, seeking a fresh start. A new chapter unfolded as she stepped into Don Bosco Makkalalaya. The three-month Skill Training Course became a catalyst for her growth. Don Bosco Makkalalaya’s nurturing environment and supportive staff fostered happiness and confidence in her, encouraged her in every step and helped her in unveiling her hidden potential. She thrived under the guidance of the staff as she acquired valuable Computer skills, Spoken English classes and Life Skills lessons. These courses renewed her purpose and gave her unshakable self-belief. The teachers’ fueled her with encouraging words-“You are capable, Bhavana”, “You are strong and your strength inspires all of us..” As she completed her course, she transformed into a radiant and empowered individual.
DBM reshaped her life’s trajectory beyond Skill Training when their placement cell helped her to secure her first job at a prestigious school as a teacher where she taught Kannada for six months. The next academic year, fate brought her to full circle as she worked in the same school she finished her schooling in. This nostalgic connection deepened her passion for education. Currently, she thrives as a Spoken English Educator at Bhavishyat Public School in Pandavapura. Today, she stands empowered and transformed by life’s challenges. Alongside teaching at Bhavishyat Public School, She has taken on a part-time role at MM Coaching Centre. She is also pursuing her degree and her schedule is filled with purpose. Each day brings growth and fulfillment and she is no longer burdened by regret or worry. With new found joy in her burstling life, she likes to send a message to her younger self and to anyone facing adversity:
“Life may test you, but your strength will prevail. Embrace challenges, learn, and rise.”
