Sandhya with all her trophies in her 8 x 10 room where she dreams of a big future
“Against all odds, a seed rises from darkness and beautifies the universe” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
This saying holds so true for Sandhya Dhananjay Dhongade, the 19 year old girl, who despite tough conditions has excelled academically solely on her merit, hard work and determination. For Sandhya, whose father works as a driver in a construction company and mother sells tea from a makeshift canteen, giving wings to her aspirations were not easy. However, despite financial crunch, the parents have been very supportive and are willing to work round the clock, if need be, to allow Sandhya to pursue her dreams.
Background
To meet this young girl was not less than a challenge and to reach her ‘home’ in the labour camp at Taloja, Navi Mumbai was a task. Maneuvering through rumbled, uneven path and tip toeing over the flowing dirty water rivulets, we reached the block of tenements with tin sheets covering the roof, in one of which, Sandhya resides.
Shifting aside the torn curtain, we entered inside. After seated comfortably atop a bed which was resting on four bricks for the stability, eyes started the inspection work. In the corner of the small passage, drums filled with water were kept neatly. Water, we were told, was scarce and hence its storage was essential. Before further inspection could be carried on, a petite, charming, young girl entered the room with glass of water. Seeing her it was difficult to imagine that this is Sandhya, who is not only pursuing civil engineering and is doing exceedingly well in it, but aims to sit for the civil service examination.
Her journey
Sandhya was interested in academics right from her childhood. However, as her father worked with construction companies, the family had to move from place to place. Finally, her father, Dhananjay Dhongade, found a job as a driver with B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd. in Navi Mumbai, and this brought stability in her academic career.
Sandhya was admitted in Sudhagad Education Society’s Secondary School in Kopragaon in Navi Mumbai in sixth standard in 2009 where she, along with her two younger brothers, started getting education, free of cost. Since then there has been no looking back.
Sandhya made her school proud by scoring 95.45% in Xth Board examination. Maths was her favorite subject and civil engineering was her passion.
“I have grown up around construction sites and desired to pursue civil engineering,” says Sandhya with a smile.
She joined Father Agnel Polytechnic, Vashi for diploma in Civil Engineering. Here too she excelled and bagged Gold medal for scoring 100% in Maths in second and third semesters. Sandhya is currently pursuing B.E. in Civil Engineering from Vishwaniketan Institute of Management, Entrepreneurship and Engineering Technology, Khalapur, Mumbai.
“It is my desire to pursue M.E. from VJTI, Mumbai and after that sit for civil service examination,” says Sandhya with confidence.
Accolades and merits
Besides academic, Sandhya has received almost17 citations, trophies, medals in extra-curricular activities. A voracious reader, who loves reading books by Chetan Bhagat, Robin Sharma, John Green among others, Sandhya has been participating in essay competitions, declamations etc. both at district and state levels right from school days.
“Sandhya is a remarkably focused child. She used to be very attentive in classes and always brought laurels for school. She has set an example for all the students,” remarks Bhagwan Shivdas Mali, Principal SES Secondary School, Kopra.
Her source of inspiration
For Sandhya, her real source of inspiration is her parents.” I have inherited love for studies from my mother,” proudly says Sandhya. Her mother, Sampada Dhongade, had got married when she was in 12th standard. Luckily Dhananjay Dhongade, her husband, who himself had studied till 7th standard, encouraged her to study further. Sampada completed her 12th standard and joined B.A. “My aim was to become a lawyer,” says soft spoken Sampada. However, she had to give up her education as she became pregnant. “Through Sandhya, I wish to accomplish my dreams,” says Sampada with a smile.
Dhananjay too is very proud of her daughter’s achievements. “Sandhya is a very hard working and systematic child. As me and my wife are away since morning, the kids themselves do all the work and study. Sandhya has achieved all this through her grit and determination and with the blessings of her elders and teachers,” he adds.
Her source of Inspiration – Sandhya with Parents and grandfather
Sandhya’s grandfather too is full of praises for her. “I am confident that Sandhya will pass the civil service examination in flying colours,” he says beamingly. Grandpa nurtures a dream to travel with her in the official car when she becomes a civil servant.
Appreciation for her also comes from the officials of B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd. where Sandhya’s father works as driver. The company has been highly supportive and try to help the family in all possible ways.
“Ours is the only house where electricity comes most of the time. The officers have ensured that Sandhya’s studies do not get hampered due to lack of electricity,” informs Dhananjay.
“It is indeed very heartening to see Sandhya doing exceedingly well in her studies. They are all part of Shirke family and we feel proud to see our child bringing laurels. She has become a source of inspiration for all the children,” remarks S. N. Shrikhande, Deputy General Manager, B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd.
