OYA’s ‘Belie-Chiever - Ashwini Shivekar's Story in her words..

‘Believe it … achieve it’, is the way I think about my life and work daily.

I am Ashwini Shivekar, a 26 years old OYA’s ‘Belie-Chiever’. Today I am glad, that I got this opportunity to write about my life, thanks to the OYA Foundation. This is a ‘wow moment’ and ‘a dream come true’ for me, not just because I would like my story to be told and heard, but because I would like to inspire every girl with my story and want them to go achieve their dreams.

I belong to a lower middle class family. My mother worked as a household maid and currently my father is an auto-rickshaw driver. I have two siblings. I completed my schooling from a BMC school (vernacular medium). I used to get a scholarship for my education from an NGO. I have been able to complete my education through scholarships alone as we faced financial difficulties. My mother was the only earning member of my family for a long time and my father stayed in the village for farming. My mother carried out all the financial responsibilities towards me and my siblings single-handedly. My mother came from a small village and could not complete her education. She could only study till the 3^rd grade and got married at a very young age, after which her life has just been a series of constant struggles- Struggles for fulfilling the responsibilities of her family, for taking care of her children single-handedly, for attaining her rights, for almost everything. What got her through all her struggles was a strong desire to help her children complete their education and make them capable individuals who could achieve anything they dream of in life.

 Very often, you find the young generation looking up to an actor or a sportsperson as their idol in life. However, my idols have been the heroes in my real life rather than the ‘reel life’. The first one to play that role in my life has been my mother. My mother has always been my biggest source of motivation. She always teaches me to think big and motivate myself to win. The number of things she has done for me and my siblings are immeasurable. I remember, accompanying my mother to her work along with my siblings when I was about 9 -10 years old. She would clean utensils, wash clothes and cook food for other people at the same time have us around at work and look after us as it was out of question for her to leave us alone at home where we lived. I never felt ashamed of the work my mother did. She always taught us that no work was inferior or superior and that one must have love and respect towards their work. If one wants to survive in this competitive world, then one has to work hard and there are no shortcuts to success.

I was a bright student throughout my school and college. I worked hard and did well at school despite all obstacles. Complaining was never an option. As hard work always pays off, I always found help through scholarships to continue my studies. Throughout my schooling years, I took part in many cultural activities and social activities. I was always excited about my hobbies of dancing, singing, acting, and anchoring. The turning point of my life was when I changed my school in the 7^th grade. I attended after-school classes, where I met with my second Idol and my role model- Raheen JJ- my didi, my teacher and my mentor. She came into my life like an Angel who helped me achieve every dream I ever dreamt of in my life. Some people come into your life as blessings and she has definitely been a blessing for me.

It was Raheen Didi who recognized the potential in me and gave me several opportunities to showcase my talent to the society. She gave my hobbies a purpose and helped me bloom with her guidance, love and care. When I was in the 9^th grade, she had faith in my abilities and gave me the opportunity to anchor an important event on the occasion of Navratri for the very first time in my life, and that too in the presence of the Minister of Child and Women Health Care, who appreciated my abilities and felicitated me. That was a very proud moment for me and Raheen Didi. It was only because of her support that this was possible for me. She always encouraged me to do something extraordinary and creative that would help me explore myself. She was with me for about five years; but those five years meant the world to me and I enjoyed every bit of that time with her. She plays a major role in my life to help me achieve all my dreams and goals. She is not my biological mother, but our relationship is as special as that of a mother and daughter. She gave birth to the new phase of my life. Under her constant love and care, I grew from a sapling and became a beautiful plant. When I was studying in the 10^th grade, Raheen Didi gave me an opportunity to be the voice of a female fetus in a mother’s womb in a short film made for spreading the social message of ‘Save the Girl Child’. I received such a wonderful opportunity only because of her. She has been a constant support in my life. She has always given me the courage to get out of my shell and try the things I never thought of doing. She has always been instrumental in building confidence in me with her powerful words- "Yes, you can do it". It’s only because of her, that today I believe in Miracles- I believe in the power of Intent.

After I completed my schooling, I opted for the Science Stream in college. Once, I completed my 12^th grade, Raheen Didi suggested that I opt for Nursing, based on my potentials and interests. I completed my Nursing Degree from a renowned government college- G T Hospital. Today, I am a successful Registered Nurse. Since the past five years, I have been performing my duties as a nurse very sincerely and ethically and I enjoy helping each and every one of my patients by providing the care they need. My mom feels extremely proud of me that I completed my Nursing Degree and even own my own house today all because she made me so capable with her constant love and hard work.

I have faced many ups and downs in my life due to financial problems and due to the discouraging ways of the society, but I never felt discouraged or disappointed. I always reminded myself that if you want success in your life, then focus on the goals and not the obstacles, push yourself and rise up again day after day because no one else is going to do it for you but ‘You’! Grab every opportunity you get to make your future brighter and to change your destiny.

I just want to tell everyone that "Today might feel bad, Tomorrow may seem worse, but the day after tomorrow will be the best. So never let your failures get to you and give up. God has given equal opportunities to everyone. You just need to be aware of your abilities and potentials, accept the challenges that life throws at you and fight fiercely to achieve your dreams. You are the only artist of your own life. You can’t waste your precious life by waiting for somebody to come into your life and make your life more graceful and colorful. mold yourself, your behaviors, and your personality in such a manner that someday someone would be inspired by you and consider you their Role Model.

    Lastly, I would like to thank the entire team of OYA Foundation for the lovely opportunities they provided me with. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for me. Thank you OYA for all your support.

                    -Ashwini Shivekar

TURNING 10!

Sharing the Joy and Success.

No one has ever known life as being a smooth ride throughout. All of us at some point stumble across roadblocks, experience bumpy rides, drive into dead ends and lose our way while going through this journey called ‘LIFE’. What makes life easier and manageable when we stumble upon such crucial challenges in life is knowing that there is a hand out there which is ready to hold ours and walk us through our difficult times, that there are open and welcoming arms out there which will with its warm embrace make our troubles feel lighter and help us get back on our feet. ‘OPEN YOUR ARMS-OYA’ is an organization that lives up to its name and is not just a thought, but an actual lifeline that has been and continues to be that ray of hope at the end of a dark tunnel for several individuals since past 9 years.  

In its glorious 10^th year, OYA fondly looks back at its journey so far where it has touched so many souls (through its Counselling, Remedial services and other programs) who in turn have touched the lives of the dedicated professionals of OYA. At this point, OYA feels like a proud parent when it sees its beneficiaries successfully surmounting the challenges and the pain life threw at them and standing strong through all the storms, seeing themselves through, only to come out stronger and more beautiful than ever. OYA is thrilled to share with all of you the success stories of its beneficiaries who dared to ... ‘BELIEVE IT AND ACHIEVE IT’ while they were face to face with life’s adversities. This core belief of OYA that if you can believe it, you can achieve it has been the driving force behind many a beaming hearts it was fortunate enough to touch. Be ready to be inspired every month while we share with you the magnificent journeys of our beneficiaries so far whom we would lovingly and proudly like to call OYA’s ‘BELIE-CHIEVERS’!

- Behroz Dumasia 

Special Educator & Mentor 

Open Your Arms Foundation 

Conquering Hearts Through Love

A gentle smile, a listening ear and supporting words can do wonders. It works with everyone, even strangers. They were strangers to me and me to them. Months passed, and now they wait for me, though a handful of them, but yes, they do. It feels accepted when they ask when I am coming next. It gives a sense of achievement when they say “ Didi, aap se baat karke dil halka ho jaata hai.”
 “Aap jaisa humko samajhte ho doosre nahi samajhte, hum aapse sab kuchh share kar sakte hain.”

That’s the power of unconditional love and acceptance. A practice, though tough, eventually shows remarkable changes in people’s perception and behavior. The ideal of therapy is not just to help a person grow, but to maximize their potential, while providing them the necessary conditions for growth.

As a therapist and as a guide, I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I can either be a tool of inspiration and growth, or a model of self pity and doubt. I can either, hurt or heal, facilitate the resolution of crisis or create one. I can either leave a person humanized or dehumanized. So spread love and learn to accept a person as they are, in their truest form. Trust them, respect them, support and guide them, and verily they will trust you and respect you back.

{Sharing my experience working with one of OYA's project - Project street children.}

- Shazia Khan

Counselling Psychologist

OYA! 

Play - Explore the Outside World

There exists a world outside classroom !

Yes, unfortunately in the modern world of game consoles and interactive toys, in pretext of learning with technology it’s easy to overlook the importance of outdoor play that has lot to offer.

A real big world does exist outside the classroom, and the possibilities are really endless.

With the current trend of rising health issues in children, it has never been more important to teach young children the value of being active outside the classrooms.

Outdoor plays not only teach children practical life skills, it offers tremendous amount of fun added with numerous health benefits.

Research studies have consistently shown that playing in an outdoor environment reduces stress while promoting psycho-socio-emotional skills, and even increasing attention spans. It's proved that outdoor play significantly reduces the symptoms of ADHD, a condition that now affects most of the school children.

Outdoor activities that a child can undertake is limited only by it's imagination. One of the best activities for promoting an interactive mind would be the nature journal.

Help your child explore a safe outdoor area to see the dynamic change in their development, as playing outdoors promotes self-confidence, fine motor skills, and balance. It also promotes self-reliance, increases flexibility, and improves overall coordination which is essential in healthy development of children.

Roopa Mohan
Executive Catalyst & Senior Counselor
OYA Foundation

A Child's Purview

To All the Parents,

I feel that nobody should abuse children, in any form, because abusing leads to reducing one's self esteem and confidence. 

Everyone needs love and respect, so do children. This is how they learn to treat others too with pure love and respect.

I feel parents should listen to their children and preference their say before a third party's perspective. A child's part of the story should be heard first rather than cross - references. If the child is wrong, words are a powerful weapon as compared to physical force in guiding the child to the right path. 

It's simple to mould a child with positive approach unlike forceful sculpting with sharp tools. 

- From a Child's Soul. 

(Sharing the views penned down by one of our beneficiary during our therapeutic sessions)

A Special Sharing by a Special Person.. - "Spreading Smiles"

OYA celebrated its 5th Birthday on 19th Oct 2015 and launched a new Initiative - "Spreading Smiles" 

Sharing a feedback from one of the event under this initiative - Direct Dil Se - written by one of our Mentor and Supporter Mr.Sailesh Mishra after he conducted a wonderful session with one of our partner shelter home girls. 

Dear Raheen JJ it was wonderful memorable experience with Rescue Home girls. Could not believe government run home could be so neat, clean, discipline and peaceful. The whole environment was soothing and specially the home tour with you as an guide. I still cant forget newborn and little babies room, their smiling faces, their speaking, calling eyes... The Girls were so well mannered, I wonder why cant our children be same at our home, the best thing was the Pratham Education which was followed till Std. 10th, they were so intelligent, smart and quick, the education module is excellent with lot many practicals, we sent our kids to central boards and IB / IG, but let me tell you these girls would give tough fight to all town kids. Our Session and whole program was very well planned by your team , Deepa mam was too good. What we did was just out of heart, we wanted to make them laugh, dance, sing and give them take back some Life Skill learning of real life, Satyamev Jayate Active ageing clip was purposely shown to let them know nothing is impossible in this world; age, disability, poverty, class, caste, religion, gender etc does not matter if you are focus and have strong Will power. 

I thank my Colleague Jenet Faras and Dhanalaxmi Rao and your colleague Yogendra ji for all the support. And it ended well with nice hand made stuff made by these girls, buying for our home. Raheen I  am so proud and happy for you and OYA - Open Your Arms I know you since 2009 and since then seen you falling and rising, it needs guts to DO the stuff you do for this young kids and society. Salute you for your commitment for the Children cause, your psychology background and good soul is added advantage for all of us. At Silver Innings we are happy to partner with you for our cause of elders. I Love Kids and Seniors, that brings me near God. Yes without community help this home wont make difference and good to see, lot many people come ahead and donate meaningful things to these children's. Let me know if we could do something, send me list of things they need monthly. One Last thing, just cant forget that baby, wanted to Adopt all of them, god is not stone hearted, he will surely give them HOME and Parents soon. Just keep on doing things you love and world will recognize you one day. God bless you always. Love and Hugs to TEAM OYA - Open Your Arms . 

Your small supporter - Sailesh Mishra

"Spreading Smiles" - Launching OYA'S New Project

"Spreading Smiles"

- OYA'S New Initiative

Your mind cannot heal without laughter and Your soul cannot heal without joy...similarly great music can transform an ordinary day into something magical !

Many of us know the tremendous effects of music & laughter and the power it can have over both thoughts and emotions that include improving verbal IQ, aiding in heart disease treatment, evoking colors in the mind and even helping you see happy faces all around.

Laughter breaks the cycle of psychological negativity.

Laughter helps to think more clearly and have more integrative thoughts.

This is of great value to individuals who need or want to revisit, reorganize, or rearrange various aspects of their lives or experiences, to make them feel whole or more focused.

Individuals who laugh easily and frequently have better self-esteem and a much more positive outlook on life in general. 

In the bigger picture laughter is a survival skill that relieves tension, keeping us fluid and flexible instead of allowing us to become rigid and breakable in the face of change.

With these two as focal points OYA has come up with a new initiative "Spreading Smiles"....combination of Music & Laughter therapies with an integrated approach to improvise life skills.

- Roopa Mohan

Executive Catalyst

Open Your Arms Foundation