“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies. It helped me when I needed it the most. This opportunity changed my life—and my family’s.”
~ Sindhu
At Yoga Gives Back, we believe that education has the power to change lives, but it is the individual stories of determination and resilience that remind us why we do what we do. Our Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) program is about more than just providing financial aid—it’s about offering hope, opportunity, and the chance for young people in India to break free from the cycle of poverty. With more than 440 students benefiting each year, and over 200 graduates who have gone on to build successful careers, the SHE program has created a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the classroom.
The following is one of those deeply inspiring stories— the story of Sindhu —a shining example of what is possible when someone is given a chance to pursue their dreams.
YGB’s “Why” Behind the SHE Program
Yoga has given so much to the world, and we wanted to give something back to its birthplace— India. Through the SHE program we have been able to support students from marginalized communities who otherwise might not have had the chance to attend college or university. Education opens doors, and more than that, it can transform entire families and communities.
For us, SHE is not just about providing scholarships; it’s about believing in young people, investing in their future, and giving them the tools they need to succeed. Each student we support is a story in the making—a story that deserves to be told.
Sindhu’s Journey: From Struggles to Success
Sindhu grew up in poverty in a struggling household. Her father worked as a daily laborer in a quarry, while her mother took up work in a garment factory whenever she could to make ends meet. Life was tough, and Sindhu watched her parents toil and sacrifice to provide for their family.
But even in the face of hardship, Sindhu was driven. She knew she wanted something more for herself and for her family, but the path to higher education felt like a distant dream. That is when she crossed paths with YGB, who offered her a different path in life in the form of a SHE scholarship. With this support, Sindhu was able to pursue her goal of earning a degree in law.
Sindhu’s determination paired with support from YGB’s SHE program led her to not only finish her degree but to thrive in her profession. Today, she is a practicing lawyer in the Mysore Sessions Court. Once filled with seemingly insurmountable challenges, Sindhi has steadily transformed her dreams and aspirations into achievements and real life.
When asked about her success, Sindhu says, “Without the scholarship,” she says, “I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies. It helped me when I needed it the most.”
As a practicing lawyer, Sindhu is now able to give back to her own family, ensuring they no longer have to struggle to survive and instead live in comfort and security. In her own words, “This opportunity changed my life—and my family’s.”
The Bigger Picture
Sindhu’s story is just one of many. Every student we support through the SHE program has their own dreams, challenges, and triumphs. For us at Yoga Gives Back, it’s about more than just seeing our scholars graduate—we are so proud of and inspired by witnessing these young people’s personal growth, as well as how they give back to their families and communities.
The SHE program is about more than education, it’s about empowering the next generation of leaders. We are honored to be a part of these journeys, and stories like Sindhu’s remind us of the lasting impact we can make when we invest in people’s futures.
Yoga has taught us about unity, compassion, and resilience, and through the SHE program, we strive to embody these values. By providing scholarships, we strive to nurture dreams, support change-makers, and give back to the place that gave the world so much.
If you’ve been inspired by Sindhu’s journey, we invite you to join us. Whether through donations, sharing our mission, or simply spreading the word, **you can be part of these life-changing stories**. Let’s continue to uplift and empower, one student at a time.
