I am Subisha from Wayanadu district in Kerala. I am from a small tribal village. I am proud to introduce myself as the first inmate of Balamndir. I was very much interested in sports activities during my school days. But I found difficulty to practice and peruse my dream to become a good athlete. We have to go a long distance for getting the training as well as I couldn’t get any good coach over there. Since we are in tribal area we didn’t get better opportunities for good training. Later I came to know about Navamukunda School in Malappuram district where we will get good training and support for sports activities. The Next hurdle was where I can get accommodated, if am going to get admission how will I manage my life. During That time my family situation was not in a sound position. Then I came to know about Balamandir, myself and my father went Balamandir explained our situation. It was really unbelievable for me that I got the admission over there. I started dreaming on my wishes. The initial days with our AmmammaThilakam Warier and Muthanchan gave me a homely atmosphere. Later in few days some more girls came in Balamandir as inmates, who became my best friends. I got an opportunity to interact with all of them and we had nice days over there.
Since my parents were uneducated and from village, we have not trained how to behave in front of others. I did so many mischiefs at the centre. I stole Sugar, milk powder and ate without anyone seeing me. One time they found that it’s me who is doing all these, that day, I thought I, will be getting nice scolding from Ammamma for my mischief. But the reaction from her really stunned me, she called me next to her and given some more milk powder and told “All these are for you people only , when we are ready to give, why do want to steal something . It’s not a good habit, if you want to eat something ask someone then take and eat. And never try to steal something “. The attitude of Ammamma made me to think. After that I have never made such mistakes.
I successfully started my training in sports activities, every day I started going for practice. And I got the confidence that I can fulfil my wishes. The life in Balamandir helped me a lot in my sports activities. The prayer session, yoga and other motivational classes we got from Balamandir made me stronger. I started participating in school sports competitions and won many prizes. During my 10th standard I got opportunity to participate at district level and I won gold medal for 100 and 200 mtr huddles.
When I was in 10th standard a golden opportunity came into my life, I got selected for 4th National Games which were held at Aurangabad. I won bronze medal in weight lifting. The day when I started from Balamandir to participate in national Sports meet, I touched Ammamma’s feet and got blessing from her. It was the first time I did like that in my life. And when she hugged me I felt the motherly affection. Her wishes and my parent’s prayers helped me in achieving bronze medal at national level.
I won many prizes in my school life, gold medals in district levels, state level etc. During 2012 I won silver medal in state level weight lifting, I started working hard for my next target, that is to win Gold medal in weight lifting. It was indispensable for me to spend more time on my practicing. Every day I started my practicing in the early morning hours and on many days evening workouts extended till 7 ‘o clock. When I reached late to Balamandir, Ammamma would be there in the veranda waiting for me, I felt cared for. Then the day came for me to attend weight lifting completion in state level when I was in 12th. I saw that all Balamandir inmates were praying for my success. After getting the blessings from Ammamma I felt that I had the confidence and I can win the competition. Finally I did it, I won Gold Medal In weight lifting in state level. It was the happiest moment of my life. I could achieve my dream, more than me I found happiness on Ammamma face.
The atmosphere and the life in Balamandir has influenced my life a lot, each and every time when I went home, seeing my attitude and behaviour my mother would say that I have changed a lot . When she looks into my face I could see the happiness in her eyes. It’s our Ammamma, who taught us the greatest wishes and prayer you get is from your mother and no one else. While returning from home I would always touch my mother and father feet I could see tears of happiness in there eyes. It was really a heart touching experience for me, and made me very close to them. This all because of Ammamma and I would like to thank her for adding such values to my life.
After completing my plus two, I joined for degree in BA Malayalam, during the first year I got opportunity to participate at university level sport activities. I became HETA athlete in university level. Also in university level I won many silver/ gold /bronze medals in different sports. I got opportunity to attend TCS Delhi NCC camp. I represented Kerala and Lakshadweep as team captain.
Because of my sport activities I missed a lot of classes at Balamandir. We had weekly classes for yoga, dance, and many other classes. But I made it a point to attend the spiritual and yoga classes. Ammamma told us that “we should give priority to our ambitions but we should also engage in activities which will add value to our life. I remember telling her that we should understand and learn to manage both”.
Now I have an ambition to become a police officer, and I want to serve the nation. I have the confidence that I can achieve my dream.
Now I am in the heights of happiness that I got the BEST NCC CADET AWARD in State level, and the award distribution was on 6th of May, which is a life time achievement for me. I would like to thank Ammamma and Madhammama who are my coach and its only because of them that I am able to achieve this award.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank god for leading my way to Balamandir and helping me experience the value of life and helping me achieve my goals. I am very proud to be an inmate of Balamandir, which made my life meaningful.