“The insecurities that once held me back have been replaced with confidence and professionalism.”

Father’s demise, mother’s frequent psychiatric episodes and an abusive elder brother; this is where my story began. I am Resham and I was just 13 when my world shattered.

“What should one do, if you have to face a monster in your own family?” This question haunted me every night, after my father passed away. My elder brother, who should have been my protector, turned to alcohol. Every night, he came home drunk, and I lived in fear – fear of the abuse, fear of being trapped in a nightmare with no escape.

Refusing to Stay Silent

One day, I gathered every ounce of courage and went to the police. They acted immediately, presenting my case to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and I was placed in a secure organisation. It was terrifying, stepping into the unknown, but it was a necessary step toward healing.

Weight of Trauma and Transition

Though I was finally safe, I carried the weight of my trauma. Education had never been a part of my world, and I struggled. The transition to my new life was overwhelming, and my emotional scars made it even harder to adjust.

Then, in 2019, I found Kshamata.

At first, I thought I had found freedom. But I quickly realised that true freedom required effort. Kshamata Transformation Centre (KTC) had a structured program but my unresolved pain made me resist any kind of structure. But the team didn’t give up. They saw my struggles and offered counselling. Slowly the healing began.

The counselling sessions became a turning point. Life skills sessions played an equally crucial role, teaching me discipline, communication, and how to channel my emotions in a positive way.

Uncovering My Passion

To help me focus, they created an individualized care plan, starting with basic education. They discovered my love for cooking and enrolled me in a culinary course. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose.

That training gave me the confidence to apply for a job at Ribbons and Balloons, a well-known cake shop. I was nervous, but took the job, ready to start a new chapter.

From Learning to Leading

Job readiness sessions at Kshamata refined my skills further, teaching me workplace etiquette, communication, and professional behaviour.

I worked at Ribbons and Balloons for three years, working my way up to a supervisory role. During that time, I saved ₹2.5 lakhs, something I had never imagined possible. Today, at 22, I hold a supervisory position in a private company, standing tall and proud.

No challenge Too Big

Looking back on my journey, I see a girl who once felt powerless now standing strong and independent.

Kshamata gave me more than skills; it gave me belief in myself. Today, I am not just a survivor; I am an inspiration. If I can rise from the darkness, so can others who are still searching for their light.