Friday, January 26, 2024

A Journey of Grace, Resilience

Dear readers, I found the below unfinished article in one of my folders recently which I had written way back in month of Sept of 2018. It was a week of planning and packing my bags to leave my home in Pune having spent 25 years and more in the city. 


As I sit here amidst half-packed boxes and the echoes of memories in my now nearly empty Pune home, I'm filled with a whirlwind of emotions. The time has come for my family and me to bid farewell to the city that has been my home for a quarter of a century. Pune, with its chaotic streets and serene corners, has been witness to the highs and lows of my life – a journey that has shaped me in ways unimaginable.

My story in Pune began at Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, where I wore the uniform with pride and forged friendships that have stood the test of time. The corridors of that school are etched with the laughter of carefree days and the innocent dreams of a child unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.

Symbiosis ICSR became the stage for my academic endeavors. Little did I know that life had its twists and turns waiting for me. Denied funding for my higher education, I found myself walking in and out of almost every consulting agency lining JM Road, MG Road, East Street and so on. The job search was tough, the rejections plenty, but the fire to succeed burned brighter.

The struggle continued as I took on the role of a computer teacher, working on meager salaries that barely met ends. Pune and Mumbai became my training ground as I navigated through different roles, each experience adding a layer to my resilience. I moved through the city, absorbing its pulse, learning its rhythm.

Finally, the breakthrough came in the year 2011 at a certain IT giant. The days of walking the crowded streets with a resume and folders in hand were over. The sleepless nights, the rejection emails, and the low-profile jobs had paved the way for a new chapter. From that point on, there has been no looking back.

As I leave Pune, I carry with me not just the physical belongings but a bag full of lessons, experiences, and an unyielding spirit that the city has instilled in me. The farewell isn't just about leaving a place; it's about bidding adieu to the person I was when I first stepped onto Pune soil.

Bangalore awaits, with its promises and opportunities. The journey from a struggling job seeker to a professional at a prestigious IT company has been one of grit, determination, and the unwavering belief that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Pune, you've been a stern teacher and a nurturing friend. As I embark on this new chapter in Bangalore, I carry your lessons in my heart. The journey continues, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

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