We are happy to share about our last Didi Program held on 22nd November at Shikharapur Balcony Hall. We had 51 bahinis join us to learn from our guest didi, Mamata (Maya) Gurung, a Mental Health Professional.

The goal of this program is simple but important: to give our girls guidance, build their confidence, and show them they can become leaders in their own lives.

Learning Through Games and Stories

Mamata didi started not with a big speech, but with a game of “Shymon Says.” The hall was full of laughter. Then, she taught a simple breathing exercise—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8—to help manage stress. Many bahinis said they felt lighter and more relaxed afterwards.

She then shared her own life story very openly. She told the girls how she was a very shy student, how her dreams changed from businesswoman to psychologist, and about the many difficulties she faced. She failed exams, lost her mother, and even lost her voice for a time. But she did not give up. She said, “These struggles strengthened me.” It was a powerful thing for our bahinis to hear.

Straightforward Advice for Life

Her message to the bahinis was clear and practical:

  • Believe in yourself.

  • It’s okay if your dreams change, but never stop having dreams.

  • Don’t compare your life to others.

  • Ask for help when you need it. It is not a weakness.

  • Remember, small efforts every day can bring big changes in your life.

A Session Full of Hope

During the question-and-answer time, the bahinis asked many things. They wanted to know about her work, her family, and how to study psychology. You could see they were truly inspired.

The program ended in a very peaceful way. Together, all the bahinis repeated affirmations: “I am capable. I can study. I can do it.” They ended with a self-hug exercise, a small act of kindness to themselves.

This Didi Program was a success because Mamata didi’s story was based on her real experience, which is not always how we dream life to be. She showed our girls that success is not about having an easy life, but about continuing to move forward no matter what. Our bahinis left with new hope and the understanding that their future is in their own hands.

About Sirjana Waiba

Sirjana first joined the foundation as a scholar starting in the 6th grade and became a mentor soon after the SEE examination. Seeing her interest and her abilities, she was hired as an intern at the Foundation and has served the role of a Didi (older sister/mentor) for the past few years. She inspires Bahinis by sharing her personal experiences and the inspiring stories of the Didis of her time. She speaks strongly against child marriage and inspires to be independent. She learned different activities involved in carrying out programs for girls and women empowerment. She is always ready to take on any assignments like field visits, writing reports, helping with office activities, etc. She continues to attend her classes in the morning and works full time at the Foundation. She is working with the G.LO.W. Club as a Girl Ambassador and writing a curriculum to run the Clubs in schools. She is building her capacity to run different programs, which she shares with her Bahinis. She is mentoring the Arunodaya G.L.O.W. club successfully. She is constantly learning new things from Bahinis and takes inspiration from them.
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