Childrens Charity, India
My Life Journey by Rupesh Shridar Jadhav
I was born and raised in Cuffe Parade in Mumbai, in a small 10 x10 jhopdi (hut). Our home, built with just four bamboo sticks, stood beside the water. During high tide, water from the sea would rise and flow beneath our floor, reminding us every day of the challenges we lived with.
Despite these tough conditions, that little hut was filled with love, warmth and hope. Our streets would often be flooded with dirty water, especially during the monsoon. I remember my father carrying me on his shoulders through the flooded lanes so I could reach school safely.
My parents both worked hard at the Sassoon Dock (Bandar) and I would sometimes go with them. I used to enjoy those moments; the people there were kind and often offered me food. There was a sense of community, even in struggle. In the evenings, after a long day at the dock, my mother and father ran an egg pav stall near the Dhobi Ghat. I had two elder brothers and we all lived together in our small home. Life was not easy, but it was full of love, laughter and unity. Even though my father had a limited income, he made sure we had just enough to get by.
Our community was diverse, with people from different castes and backgrounds living together peacefully. I studied at the Colaba Municipal School and had many friends from the area. But life threw us some difficult challenges. One of the most painful moments was when a massive fire broke out and destroyed our home. We lost everything. But my father didn’t give up. He rebuilt our home from scratch. That was the moment I truly learned what strength and courage looked like. It was the first time I believed that change was possible even in the darkest moments. Growing up, we faced many hardships: financial struggles, lack of opportunities, limited access to education and social pressure. At times, I felt lost, lacking confidence and direction. As a teenager, I started falling into bad habits and was unsure of my path. But my life took a turn when I became involved with the OSCAR Foundation.
It was through OSCAR that I found new purpose and support. A friend introduced me to the organisation and from that point on, everything began to change. I met mentors and coaches who believed in me. One of the most important people in my journey was Coach Ashok Rathod and my best friend, Kumar Rathod.
His guidance helped me see my worth and believe in my dreams. He showed me that my identity was not limited to where I came from it was shaped by where I was going and what I chose to do. At OSCAR, I learned important life skills, built confidence and gained the courage to dream bigger. The foundation didn’t just give me guidance it gave me a family, a purpose and a future. Throughout it all, the one thing that kept me strong was my family. My parents were my biggest inspiration. Their hard work, sacrifice and never-give-up attitude taught me that no matter how hard life gets, persistence can overcome anything. Their love and resilience became my inner strength. Today, I look back at my journey from walking through flooded streets, living in a tiny hut and losing our home in a fire, to finding hope, purpose, and a new identity through the OSCAR Foundation and I feel proud. Every hardship made me stronger. Every moment of kindness shaped me. And every dream I hold today is rooted in the struggle I grew up with. I am still walking my path, but I now walk it with confidence, belief and a strong sense of who I am. My story is proof that no matter where you start, with love, support and the right guidance, change is possible.
Today, Rupesh plays a key role in OSCAR’s Government Partnership Project in Daman & Diu, which reaches over 5,500 children with life-changing opportunities through sport and education. This October, he will take on an exciting new challenge as the coach on the OSCAR UK Tour, his first-ever international trip. A proud milestone for Rupesh and a testament to how far dedication and community support can take you.
“I remember when Rupesh first joined OSCAR, quiet, nervous and unsure. But he quickly found friends and joy in playing football. He wasn’t the best player, but his consistency stood out, he nevermissed a single practice. That dedication has shaped him into the inspiring leader he is today, a role model for over a thousand children and youth in Ambedkar Nagar and Daman.I’m incredibly proud of Rupesh. Like an elder brother, I’ve watched him grow with determination and heart. My blessings and support will always be with him.” Ashok Rathod
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