Success Story of Saniya: How Career Counselling at Bahoranpur Transformed Her Journey
| Lead Name | Saniya Praveen |
| Education Qualification | Pursuing Graduation in Mathematics Hons 2nd year from Vinoba Bhave University Time – evening session |
| Presently also working at | St Marry School as primary teacherSchool time- morning session |
| Father’s name | Md Shamim |
| Occupation | Tailor at Kolkata |
| Mother’s name | Sadima Khatoon |
| Occupation | Home maker |
| Elder brother | Abdul Rashim / married/ living at Nagpur |
| Elder sister | Sogra Khatoon/ Married |
| Second elder brother | Tayeeb Ansari / unmarried |
Career counselling and competitive examination preparation sessions at Bahoranpur have become a beacon of hope for children in the area, shaping their futures and equipping them to navigate real-life challenges with confidence. Among the many success stories emerging from these sessions is that of Saniya, who recently achieved her dream of becoming a primary school teacher at St. Mary’s School.
Saniya belongs to a minority community and comes from a humble background. She is the youngest in her family. Her father works as a tailor in Kolkata and, despite being away from home, has always fulfilled his responsibilities by ensuring a steady flow of financial support. Her mother is a homemaker, while her elder brothers have moved to other cities—one is married and settled in Nagpur, and the other is unmarried and lives at home. Her elder sister is also married and no longer resides with the family.
Saniya was one of the first students to join the career counselling and competitive examination preparation sessions at Bahoranpur. From the outset, she displayed remarkable versatility and enthusiasm for learning. A multi-talented individual, Saniya excels in various skills, including stitching, beautician work, dancing, anchoring, and playing football.
Though naturally extroverted, Saniya initially struggled to open up completely in the classes. Over time, as the sessions progressed, she became more confident and began actively engaging with her peers. Her curiosity and hunger for knowledge set her apart; she was always ready with a new question, making her one of the most inquisitive students in the program.
The career counselling sessions at Bahoranpur go beyond traditional academic preparation. The curriculum is designed to holistically develop students’ personalities, equipping them with essential life skills. Activities include:
-Team-Building Exercises: Adapted from training modules used in premium management institutes, these exercises focus on fostering collaboration and leadership.
- Communication Skills Development: Practical sessions to improve speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills.
- Debates and Discussions: Open debates on current national and global issues, such as government policies, environmental challenges, and advancements like artificial intelligence (AI).
– Legal and Political Awareness: Sessions on constitutional rights, particularly for women and girls, and discussions on significant government decisions.
– Informative Videos: Visual presentations on topics like environmental degradation and global initiatives such as COP28, broadening students’ perspectives.
These multifaceted activities aim to prepare students not just for exams but also for interviews and real-world situations, instilling confidence and critical thinking skills.
Reflecting on her experience, Saniya expressed her gratitude, saying:
“Attending the competitive classes was like fun combined with learning. We gained knowledge about the world, from AI to environmental issues like COP28, which gave us an edge in competitive exams. The focus on communication skills and the ‘power of listening’ was transformative for me. I now understand the difference between hearing and truly listening, which helped me respond effectively during my interview. Without these classes, my world would have remained confined to Bahoranpur and Hazaribagh.
The career counselling sessions broadened our horizons, opened our eyes to global challenges, and matured our imagination. Informative videos on environmental degradation changed my perspective on the world. I am deeply grateful to Lotus Outreach and Naya Sawera Vikas Kendra for giving us this opportunity.”
Today, Saniya stands as a shining example of how holistic career counselling can empower rural youth to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Her journey highlights the transformative power of such programs in creating confident, well-informed individuals ready to tackle life’s hurdles.