EMELIE VOICES
SEPTEMBER. 2 0 2 5 , I S S U E 0 3
MEET SAMRUDHI: FINDING HER WAY, AGAINST ALL ODDS
This is the story of Samruddhi Lawate, a daughter who navigated her most crucial adolescent years alone, with no family to lean on. At just 21, she has endured deep personal loss, grief, and life’s harsh curveballs — yet continued forward with quiet courage and optimism. Her will to live life beautifully and explore her interests kept her moving..
Samruddhi lost her mother when she was in 5th grade, a loss that shrank her world into a smaller, lonelier space. As a young girl, she took on responsibilities at home while continuing her studies, quietly balancing what many children her age couldn’t even imagine. Just a few years later, while she was in 12th grade, her father fell seriously ill, from late nights in the hospital to managing household finances. Samruddhi found herself taking care of him all by herself. The fear of losing him haunted her, and yet she tried to hold things together with all the strength she had. Sadly, despite her efforts, she lost her father too — leaving her completely on her own with only the house and the savings he left behind.
After this, Samruddhi moved into her step-uncle’s house while enrolling herself in college at St. Mira’s. But the reality of living in someone else’s home brought constant challenges. Along with household chores and emotional struggles, she barely had the space even to grieve or cry in peace. Wanting to live with dignity and independence, she made the decision to step out and stand on her own feet. She began searching for jobs — in malls, stores, wherever she could find something —until she secured work as a cashier in a shopping mall.
This is the story of Samruddhi Lawate, a daughter who navigated her most crucial adolescent years alone, with no family to lean on.
Her life became a demanding routine: college in the mornings, rushing straight to work afterwards, long hours on her feet until late at night, sometimes without even eating lunch, then coming home to cook, study, and prepare for another day. The emotional pain ran deep, but her love for living life beautifully, with an eagerness to explore her interests and engage with hobbies, kept her spirit alive. Through it all, her friends became her emotional anchors — the ones she could lean on when things felt too heavy.
By her final year of college, Samruddhi learned about The Emelie Foundation from a close friend and, with encouragement from her teachers, applied for financial aid. The support she received during her TYBSc year brought her immense relief. As she shares:
“The Emelie Foundation really helped me a lot by supporting me with my TYBSc fees. Because of this, I was able to continue my studies without worrying too much about money. It gave me the confidence and peace of mind to focus on my exams and complete my degree successfully.”
With this support, she not only completed her degree in Computer Science but also applied for career opportunities that came her way. Through her college placement cell, she got to know about the highly competitive 5-year Wipro program, which includes training, a stipend, and a fully funded M.Tech from a premier Indian institute. She applied for this program with a long application process and screening. Through rigorous rounds of applications and interviews, Samruddhi persevered.
Today, she has successfully graduated with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from St. Mira’s College. While she had also applied for support from the Foundation for her master’s, she was waiting to hear from the placement cell about her selection in Wipro’s five-year integrated program. Soon after, she received the wonderful news of clearing the next round. In a humble and heartfelt gesture, Samruddhi voluntarily returned the financial aid approved for her master’s, confident that she could now move ahead on her own. This honesty touched us deeply, and we were grateful for her integrity.
Currently, she is in the final stage of the Wipro selection process. We wish her the best for the journey ahead, knowing her dedication will continue to guide her toward greater milestones.
What makes her story stand apart is not just her achievements but the values she carries. Samruddhi’s gesture of gratitude reflects her resilience, responsibility, and the strength of her character. At The Emelie Foundation, we celebrate Samruddhi’s courage, her possibility mindset, and her choice to rise above challenges with both determination and grace. Her journey reminds us that success lies not only in accomplishments but in walking the path with integrity, optimism, and an open heart. Her story is a reminder that true success is not just about career achievements but also about holding on to humane values, cultivating a possibility mindset, and walking with optimism, trust in oneself and responsibility.
We deeply thank Samruddhi’s friends and all those who supported her quietly along the way. It is because of such bonds, resilience, and timely support that she stands where she is today — ready to aim higher and dream further.
THE EMELIE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES EACH ONE OF YOU!
THANK YOU FOR READING OUR STORY OF THE MONTH!
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