A life marked by hardships
On Tadiwala Road in Anand Mitra Mandal, 17-year-old Priyash’s life was marked by constant hardship. Abandoned by his father before birth and with his mother struggling as a housemaid in Mumbai, Priyash found himself living with his grandmother, navigating a future filled with uncertainty. Despite completing his 11th standard, financial difficulties forced him to pause his education, leaving him uncertain about his future and dreams.
New Beginning of Priyash’s Transformation
Amid this challenging period, Priyash’s friends introduced him to CRC, which offered free classes to those in need. Initially skeptical about the quality of education, Priyash was hesitant to join. However, as he began attending classes regularly, he was pleasantly surprised by the supportive and encouraging environment at CRC. The center, particularly through its programs, became a lifeline for him. The warm community and the guidance he received at CRC helped reignite his hope, motivation, and sense of purpose setting him on a new path towards success.
A hidden talent unleashed
The turning point in Priyash’s journey came during one of CRC’s vibrant Funday events. With a mix of nervousness and excitement, he took the stage to showcase his self-taught dancing skills, blending passion with raw talent. This breakthrough moment highlighted his natural abilities and also caught the attention of CRC staff, who saw immense potential in him. They encouraged him to continue pursuing his passion, and it was their support that gave him the confidence to embrace the opportunity to teach dance at the center.
Priyash’s love for dance soon transformed into a meaningful responsibility. He began teaching various dance styles, including salsa, lavani, belly dance and freestyle, to eager students in the community. His enthusiasm, coupled with his dedication, quickly made him a cherished instructor. His ability to inspire and connect with his students made him a role model for many. But Priyash’s talents did not stop at dance. His involvement with CRC’s programs led him to rediscover his academic potential. Motivated by his own growth, he began conducting remedial classes in Science, Mathematics and English, supporting struggling students improve their grades. His unwavering commitment to his students’ success was evident and they thrived under his guidance.
Dance competitions to reality shows
As Priyash’s role at CRC grew, so did his involvement in various initiatives such as youth camps and community outreach programs. His dedication and passion for helping others made him a valuable core member of the CRC team. His active participation in these initiatives further solidified his position as a respected youth leader within the organization. As Priyash continued to dedicate himself to both teaching and community service, his hard work and determination began to pay off in significant ways.
In 2021 and 2022, Priyash’s exceptional dance skills earned him first-place victories in both group and solo dance categories during YUVA RANG Celebration. These achievements were a evidence to his dedication to the art of dance. His growing reputation as a talented dancer also led him to audition for popular reality shows like Dance India Dance (DID) and India’s Best Dancer (IBD), where he showcased his skills on larger national platforms.
Becoming a Dance Instructor: Sharing the passion
Reflecting on his transformative journey, Priyash shared, “I am now volunteering at the CYDA, teaching dance classes to students. It fills me with joy to pass on what I’ve learned. Many students at Tadiwala Centre are passionate about dance, just like I was. Teaching them is a fulfilling experience. CYDA provided me with incredible opportunities, and I feel a deep responsibility to give back to my community.”
Priyash’s Transformation
Through CYDA, Priyash rediscovered his academic potential and found a platform to nurture his passion for dance. His journey, from a skeptical student facing immense challenges to a celebrated dancer and dedicated volunteer, highlights the powerful impact of support and encouragement. With the guidance of CRC, Priyash not only achieved success in dance but also became an inspiration to his peers. His story stands as a inspiration of hope for his community, proving that with determination and the right support, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. ( This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer at CYDA)
