Daksha — Finding Her Voice
Daksha grew up in Khedutvas, an informal settlement in Bhavnagar. Her father worked as a security guard and her mother as a peon and cleaner in a school. The youngest in the family, she studied in a Gujarati-medium government school. In her early years, she struggled with basic concepts and showed little interest in formal learning.
Her engagement with Balghar marked a turning point. Learning through activities sparked her interest, and when she later joined Balsena, Daksha began to open up. Initially shy and quiet, she gradually gained confidence, started participating actively, and took on leadership roles. Over time, she was elected President of Balsena, a significant milestone in her journey.
Formal education continued to be challenging. After failing the Class 10 examination twice, Daksha persevered and appeared for the SNDT University entrance test, which allows admission without completing Classes 10 and 12. She cleared the test and went on to complete her graduation while continuing her work with Shaishav.
Daksha remained closely associated with Shaishav for several years and became one of the longest-serving team members. Through Balsena, she gained extensive exposure, attended trainings, travelled widely, and represented the collective at the national level. She also served as Tarun Sena President. During a period of severe resource constraints, when the Balsena team was reduced, Daksha independently managed activities across nearly ten communities, ensuring the programme continued through a particularly difficult phase.
A key influence in Daksha’s journey was the Mobile Multi-Resource Centre (MMRC). For children like her, the MMRC was more than a bus—it created access to learning beyond classrooms, exposure visits, and shared experiences that were otherwise out of reach. As her peer Reena reflected, “MMRC is not just a bus; it is our lifeline.” These experiences played a crucial role in drawing children into Balsena and sustaining their engagement.
Today, Daksha lives in Kumbharwada and works as a senior facilitator with Balsena. Even during periods when she was not formally employed, she remained engaged with children and women in the community. Her journey shows how sustained participation in a child-led collective, supported by the right spaces and exposure, can build confidence, leadership, and long-term commitment—even when formal education pathways are disrupted.
