Mahima Siddar from Champa, Chhattisgarh

An Inspiring Journey of Mahima Siddar
Despite facing financial hardships, 24-year-old Mahima Siddar from Champa, Chhattisgarh, never let circumstances deter her from pursuing her dreams. The middle of three sisters, Mahima lost her father, who had been affected by leprosy, last year. He worked as a blue collar worker in a steel factory, while her mother occasionally took on daily wager work to support the family. The burden of raising three daughters weighed heavily on her parents.
Mahima completed her primary schooling in Champa but was later sent to a hostel in Bilaspur. Her parents’ savings were only sufficient for her elder sister’s education, leaving Mahima uncertain about her future due to their financial constraints.
In 2018, she learned about the @silfindia His Holiness Dalai Lama- Sasakawa Scholarship from people in her colony and decided to apply for a degree in Optometry, encouraged by her sister.
Mahima’s application was shortlisted, and she travelled to Delhi for a personal interview.
Her intelligence, confidence, and communication skills impressed the panel, leading to her selection.

Mahima completed her Bachelor’s of Optometry at ITM University Raipur. She then interned in Hyderabad, where she secured a job at a hospital. However, due to family issues, she returned to Chhattisgarh and began working at Lenskart in Bilaspur, earning nearly Rs 25,000 per month. This allows her to stay close to home and care for her mother. She has also renovated their home and saves her salary for other important needs.

Mahima’s story highlights the transformative power of education and the significance of scholarships in empowering individuals to overcome their circumstances. Her dedication to her family, shown by her choice to stay close to home while pursuing her career, is truly commendable.

Mahima says, “If I hadn’t received the S-ILF Scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my dream of getting a good job and living a dignified life.”