The journey to Balamandir was a beginning of new chapter in my life, from the darkness towards light. After finishing my 12th I wanted to continue my education but was not able to do so as I had to support my family. As we say, when one door closes another door opens and the other door was of Balamandir of Warrier Foundation. I came to know about Balamandir from our neighbour, and my hope of studying further was revived. Only now I realize it was the greatest turning point in my life.
I belong to a middle class happy family which consist of my parents, myself and two sisters. When I was in 7th standard my father suffered a stroke and was left paralyzed which led our life into darkness. In spite of all the hospital run I managed to completed my 10th standard with good marks.
Then my father expired and my elder sister started working as a Nurse to support the family as me and my younger sister were still studying.
I realized that there was no way for me to continue my studies as my family could not support the cost. I decided to support my family instead of sitting ideal at home. I started going to a small shop as a sales girl and received a salary of Rs. 1000.
After that I completed 12th std in an aided school with the help of my teacher who took the responsibility of my education. After finishing 12th I was not sure I how would afford higher studies. I could not ask for any money from my mother as it was difficult for her to make ends meet.
But my mother was very much aware of my desire to go for higher studies. One day we came to know about Balamandir from our neighbour. That day I felt that God is there with me. Me and my mother decided to go to Balamandir. With all my hopes and prayers I stepped into Balamandir and was accepted to stay and study there.
Joining Balamandir was a drastic change in my life. I was stepping into a new world filled with love, care and affection. The life at Balamandir helped me to dream big and strengthen me to face all the situation with smiling face. The presence of Ammamma and Muthachan made my life so colourful. At Balamandir I was given lot of opportunities for self-development. It was not an institution or organization for me, it was a big family, where we had all happiness. My stay at Balamandir added lot of values to my life and me a nicer person. I learned how to behave in the society, how to care for others and how to face the situations. The days in the Balamandir added self-confidence and courage to my life. The Main inspirational source of Balamandir was Ammamma. She stood by us in all thick and thin.
My stay at Balamandir helped me to succeed in life. I did my B.Com in Calicut university. After completing B.Com I got the opportunity to work with Flyjac Logistics at Chennai through the greatness of Madhvan mamma. Beholding the values which I got from Balamandir I started my journey. I moved to Chennai for my job. I never felt any fear or tension when I joined in Flyjac. I started working there. It was little difficult for me to adjust with the situation since I don’t know the language either English or Tamil. But I had the confidence that I could do it and I did it .
The basis of success in my life is Balamandir and the important values which I learned there. Due to the great kindness of Madhvan mmama I was able tocompleted MBA in International Business.
After being an inmate in the Balamandir, I came to know the importance of Indian culture, yoga, meditation and values that helped me become a good human being. Madhvan mama inspired us and taught us about meditation. The mantra which he has given us to succeed in life is meditation and love. Meditation impacted me heavily and it made me strong from inside.
When I started meditation, I realized who I am and what my problems are. Being a sensitive person every small issues would make me so upset that I would go into depression. But after doing Meditation I realized that depression is just a game of my mind and I have to work towards removing it. I started analyzing myself instead of being emotional, I acted on the circumstances, which made feel happy and satisfied. Now I am able to control my anger, irritation and anxiety. Deep breathing helped me to understand myself better. I started enjoying my surrounding’s, even my work was enjoyable. Meditation helped me to pay better attention to my work which made me confident and happy. Meditation helped me achieve a peaceful, worriless, happy life. It helped me to come out of all my fears and tears.
My family is most important to me because the base of my life is my family. If I can keep my family happy I will be happy and if I am happy I can make others happy. When you are happy u feel everything around you is good, even your smile which is coming from your heart can make others happy.
I feel I want to spread happiness, love, and care in the society. I want to help people to meditate so that they can also find the real happiness hidden inside them. Those who are falling into darkness can be awakened with a small helping hand and I want to be that helping hand.
I was there in Balamadir for almost 3 and half years. Being one amongst the elder inmate in Balamadir I got lot of opportunities to take different responsibilities and develop my leadership skills. We have started monthly manual magazine, we organized different programs among the inmates. I got an opportunity to help my younger inmates in their studies, dance and other activities.
Nothing in this world is permanent, so let’s be happy always and share the happiness among us. My life has taught me that it’s not money that makes our life happy, its love, care, affection which makes us happy. I would like to thank Madhavan mamma, Ammamma, Muthachan, and all the Balamandir Inmates and my family who has strengthen me and made my life successful.