The Inspiring Journey of Shital Sangewar to the Urban Fellowship Program (UFP), IIHS

From the small village of Sawar in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district to the prestigious Urban Fellowship Program (UFP) at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru,
Shital Sangewar’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and upward mobility.
As a first-generation rural learner, she navigated limited resources, academic uncertainty, and societal expectations—emerging as a role model for countless young women.

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Early Life: Growing Up in Sawar

Shital was born into a family of small-scale farmers with minimal formal education.
Her parents studied only till the sixth and ninth standards, and though they worked tirelessly, they had little exposure to the world of higher education.

In a community where opportunities are scarce and guidance is limited, Shital’s love for learning became her quiet rebellion.

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Schooling: A Journey Filled with Daily Struggles

Shital completed her primary schooling in Sawar and later travelled 3 km every day to attend the Government Ashram School in Kapra.
Her younger brother later completed high school and joined her parents in farming.

Despite having no academic guidance, minimal resources, and little exposure, Shital excelled—driven by a determination to create a life beyond the boundaries of her village.

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College Life: Hitch-Hiking Her Way to Education

After high school, Shital enrolled in a BSc program at Matoshri Nanibai Gharphalakar Science College.

This phase came with immense challenges:

• There was no bus service from her village
• She hitch-hiked daily to attend classes
• Large classrooms provided no personalised support
• As a first-generation learner, she struggled with concepts

She recalls,

“We would barely understand what was taught. We just went to appear for exams.”

After graduation, she spent two uncertain years at home, unsure of what to do next, with no one to guide her.

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Turning Point: Discovering Eklavya India Foundation

Everything changed when a close friend introduced her to the Eklavya India Foundation.

Through Eklavya’s:

• Workshops
• Mentorship
• Online sessions
• Exposure to career pathways

Shital explored opportunities she had never imagined before.

It was during one such session that she learned about the Urban Fellowship Program (UFP) at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements—an opportunity that immediately sparked her curiosity.

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Selected for the Urban Fellowship Program (UFP), IIHS

Motivated by her mentors, Shital applied to the UFP—and was selected.

The challenge, however, was convincing her parents.
Moving to Bengaluru felt risky to a family unfamiliar with higher education and urban life.

With persistence and Eklavya’s support, she helped them understand the value of this life-changing opportunity.

In July 2022, during the Eklavya First-Generation Students Achievement Meet, Shital was felicitated by the District Magistrate, celebrating her courage, dedication, and journey from rural Maharashtra to a national fellowship.

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A New Chapter Begins

At the Urban Fellowship Program, Shital will now study:

• Urban development
• Public systems
• Social change
• Inclusive planning

These fields were once beyond her imagination—but today, they mark the beginning of her professional journey.

As the first woman from her community to join such a prestigious program, Shital hopes to inspire first-generation learners to dream without limits.

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Conclusion: A Story of Resilience & Possibility

Shital Sangewar’s journey—from hitch-hiking to college, to navigating academic uncertainty, to reaching Bengaluru—shows what determination, exposure, and mentorship can achieve.