“I remember the day I was ranked as a Major, my eyes welled up with tears and the only person I could think of was my grandmother. I have always been inspired by the way she believed that one can achieve anything in life irrespective of gender. I come from a small village where girls sporting short hair or playing sports for that matter is still a taboo. The first time that I ever saw a volleyball game was in my 7th grade. I remember sitting and staring at others’ play and always wished to get my hands on the ball. Trust me, I learned the sport all by myself, just by observing the play. I was never coached by anybody. It was a great struggle for me to collect as little as Rs.100 so that I could buy myself a volleyball.

The turning point in my life happened when I had decided to join the sports hostel in Andhra Pradesh. I was exposed to the real world. I started observing people and their mannerisms. I groomed myself just by observing the people around me. Gradually I improved, both in sports and life. Having the opportunity of getting coached under someone was a dream come true.

Well, when I got the freedom to play, I was so engrossed in sports that I became blindsided towards education. I failed my class 12.
Going back home was not easy for me. I was humiliated by the people of village. During this phase, it was my grandmother who was stuck with me and stood by me. She told me “I worked so hard and fought for you, it is time you make me proud Jaya”. Those words had a huge impact on me and from there on, I was unstoppable.

I started working in a convent school in my village as a volleyball coach and simultaneously worked in a STD booth for a while. I decided not to depend on anybody financially or emotionally for that matter. I continued to pursue my education and got married while I was doing my post-graduation in political science.

I have always been passionate about uniformed services but never knew how to get into one. Fortunately, when I joined as a Physical Director in St.Francis Junior College, Secunderabad, I was approached by the college to join the NCC. With the confidence and will-power I had in me, I had decided to join NCC. I went for vigorous training in Gwalior, leaving behind my 17 months old daughter and my family.

Honestly, I’ve never had someone who could guide me in my crucial stages of life. Perhaps that is exactly why I take motivational classes now and educate girls about the biggest lessons I have learned and one of that is “You fight own your battle because nobody else will”. Today I am working as a physical director and NCC officer at Kasturba Gandhi Degree & PG college, Secunderabad. I have also vowed to provide education to the girl child with a single parent, with all my ability.”

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