Ms. Sujata Kerkar’s story is one of remarkable resilience, determination, and the transformative power of love and support. Growing up in a challenging environment, she defied the odds to become a respected dance teacher at a young age, inspiring over a thousand students along the way. In this interview, Ms. Kerkar shares the pivotal moments that shaped her life and the lessons she hopes to pass on to others.
Early Challenges and a Life-Changing Turning Point
Ms. Kerkar’s childhood was fraught with hardship. “Growing up was not easy. My father struggled with alcoholism, and it was very terrible for all of us,” she recalls, describing the turbulent atmosphere at home. “My father would abuse my mother whenever he drank, and the fights would go on until night. There was no silence.” It was an emotionally taxing time for her and her younger sister, both very young at the time.
The turning point came when her mother made the courageous decision to enroll the two sisters in El Shaddai Charitable Trust. “El Shaddai gave us everything—not only education but also love and care, just like their own family,” Ms. Kerkar reflects. “They provided a roof over our heads, taught me to read and write, and, most importantly, taught me how to believe in myself.”
A New Perspective: Transforming Pain into Purpose
Growing up in adversity instilled in Ms. Kerkar a longing for a better life. “I wanted a father who could love me and care for me,” she admits. “But I lost that opportunity. I also longed for a better life, a roof over my head, and the blessing of happiness.” Her dreams were simple yet powerful, and through El Shaddai’s support, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose.
“When I joined El Shaddai, I finally received everything I had wished for. I’m forever grateful to that organisation, especially Pastor Mathew and Julia Ma’am, who encouraged me to move forward and pursue my dreams,” she says.
Discovering Dance: More Than Just a Hobby
From a young age, Ms. Kerkar discovered a passion that would shape her future: dance. However, embracing this passion wasn’t easy. “As a kid, I would tell people that I wanted to be a dance teacher when I grew up, but they mocked me and said I would amount to nothing,” she recalls. “They said I would just be a bad influence, and for a while, I was scared to move forward.”
Her family also had different aspirations for her. “They thought I should become a nurse, a doctor, or a teacher—professions they considered more practical,” she explains. But despite the discouragement, she found the courage to follow her heart. “When I was twelve, I made a decision: I would become a dance teacher and show everyone what I was capable of.”
Today, at the age of 20, Ms. Kerkar is living that dream. She works as a dance instructor at Shadneshwar Dance Academy in Goa, teaching both children and adults.
The Impact of El Shaddai’s Support
The encouragement Ms. Kerkar received from El Shaddai played a crucial role in her journey. “The support I got from El Shaddai gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams,” she reflects. “They were like my family, always encouraging me to keep moving forward.” It was there that she took her first steps as a dance teacher. As a trainee, she gained hands-on experience and was nurtured by a community that believed in her potential.
A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Ms. Kerkar’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the importance of self-belief. “My message to young people facing difficult circumstances is simple,” she emphasizes: “Don’t give up hope. Pursue what you want to become, make wise decisions, and be independent. You have the power to fly high.”
Her words are not just motivational; they serve as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating challenges on their path to fulfillment and purpose.
