Shaping a Brighter Future: Preeti Monga’s Vision for Inclusive Education – A SheSight Exclusive
Imagine a world where challenges don’t define you but inspire you to make a difference. That’s the story of Preeti Monga, a truly remarkable woman. During a heartfelt conversation with Ruchi, a friend and well-wisher of SheSight, Preeti Monga revealed the remarkable journey that has shaped her life.
Despite facing challenges like being expelled from school at a young age, she refused to give up. Instead, she became the first blind Aerobics Instructor and a sought-after motivational speaker. Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognition, including a National Award from the President of India and the Exceptional Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award from the Delhi Government.
Host: Preeti, could you share with us some of the challenges you’ve overcome in your life, from childhood to adulthood?
Preeti: Of course, I’d be happy to share. My life has been a series of challenges, but I’ve never let them define me. Getting expelled from school because of my blindness was tough, as was facing rejection and abuse. But I didn’t let it stop me.
Music became my refuge, and I spent years learning the sitar. But I didn’t have the natural talent for it. Instead of giving up, I explored other ways to support myself.
That’s when I stumbled into becoming an aerobic instructor. It wasn’t easy convincing people to let a blind person lead their workouts, but I did it. Starting my own classes gave me a sense of purpose and independence I never thought possible.
Escaping from an abusive marriage was undoubtedly one of the toughest battles I’ve faced. It took eleven years of resilience and courage, but I never lost hope.
Each challenge taught me something new about myself and made me stronger. With my family by my side, I’ve overcome obstacles that seemed impossible.
Host: Your resilience is remarkable, Preeti. Where do you draw your optimism and positivity from, especially in the face of adversity?
Preeti: I find my optimism and positivity in having a clear purpose and believing that everyone can contribute to making the world better. My family has always been my rock, supporting me through thick and thin. Their love and encouragement keep me grounded and hopeful. Additionally, my spiritual upbringing has taught me to find strength in challenging times and to trust that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Host: Preeti, could you tell us about Silver Linings? What is its mission and purpose?
Preeti: At Silver Linings, we truly believe in the power of education and inclusion to transform lives. Our mission is deeply personal to us, driven by our passion for creating opportunities for blind individuals like ourselves to thrive. Through projects like Shiksha, which is particularly close to our hearts, we’re making strides in providing education and support to blind girls who often face significant challenges. We understand firsthand the importance of access to quality education and support in overcoming obstacles and achieving our dreams. That’s why we’re committed to empowering blind children to become independent and productive members of society. Our work goes beyond the classroom, as we provide training, counseling, and empowerment programs tailored to the unique needs of blind individuals. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to succeed.
Host: Looking towards the future, what are your plans for Silver Linings? Where do you see it heading in the coming years?
Preeti: Our big plan for Silver Linings is to open an inclusive school for kids like me. It’ll be a place where they can learn and get all the help they need to succeed. I want this school to be different, a model for others to follow, where blind students feel included and empowered. I dream of sharing our success story with people all over the world. By telling our story, I hope to inspire others to make positive changes in their communities too. It’s all about spreading hope and showing that anything is possible, no matter what challenges you face.
Host: Before we wrap up, do you have any final message or advice for young women?
Preeti: Absolutely. To all the young women out there, I want to share a simple message: grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re just chances for you to grow stronger. Believe in yourself and your dreams, and never give up, no matter how tough things get. Remember, you have the power to shape your own future and make a real difference in the world. So go out there, take charge, show the world what you’re made of, and don’t let anything hold you back.
As we wrap up, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Preeti Monga for opening up and sharing her remarkable journey with us. Preeti, your determination and courage have left us in awe -inspiring. Your journey reminds us that with hard work and a positive attitude, anything is possible. SheSight is so grateful for all you do to make the world a better place. Wishing you all the best as you continue to inspire others and make a difference.
-Staff Reporter
