Sirisha was only 8 years old when her father died. His death brought difficult changes for her family in Musunuru, Andhra Pradesh, India, and she faced challenges at a young age that shaped much of her childhood.
Over time, Sirisha became connected with the Preranalaya Social Development Centre. There, she found people who supported her, encouraged her and helped her begin to see new possibilities for her life.
Through that community, Sirisha found a sense of family and learned to believe in herself. Her story reflects the difference that personal support and meaningful relationships can make for people facing difficult circumstances.
In this video, Sudha Rani, SCN, shares Sirisha’s story and reflects on her ministry with women and families in Andhra Pradesh. She also considers how the people she accompanies continue to shape her own life and understanding of ministry.
Watch the video
Video transcript
As I am working in Musunuru closely with the people the most touched part being here is a smile on the face in all circumstances. Because however they are broken hearted, alcoholics, gamblers and victims of child marriages and broken marriages, they are happy and the smile on their faces never faded. That touched me a lot and transformed me to be like them a smile on the face in all situations even when the hard moments try to put me down. I developed not to complain at my inability but to turn it as my strength and start working on it. So, for the first time when I met Sirisha I felt that how tall and strong she is.
And then her neighbour said that she is unwed mother and living alone with her son. And her mother was taking care of them. I felt that we must do something for her life. And after a few years when Sirisha came to Preranalaya Social Development Centre in search of the work by herself I was very happy to give her work and felt that now the chance of helping her came to reality.
Saggurthi Sirisha Kumari, known as Sirisha, a helper in Preranalaya Social Development Centre has joined on 3rd September 2023. This is the life journey of her before she came to Preranalaya Social Development Centre and after.
Sirisha is from the village of Musunuru in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. She was born into an extremely poor family — one of five children. Her father, a kind but hardworking man, passed away when Sirisha was just eight years old. From that day, her mother became both the father and mother to the children and the family’s pillar of strength, working tirelessly in the palm fields under the scorching sun to feed her children. Despite hardships, Sirisha never gave up on her education and studied sincerely and completed her 10th class, dreaming of a better future. But life had other plans.
After finishing her 10th class, life took a turn she never expected. She met Budupula Krishna Das, a young man from Musunuru village. Their friendship turned into love, and believing their families would allow their marriage, they took a step that changed everything — Sirisha became pregnant. But when they revealed the truth, the families refused to accept their relationship. In a moment of despair, the young couple attempted to end their lives, but fate intervened — they survived. Sirisha was left with her unborn child and the heavy weight of society’s judgment.
The only one who stood by Sirisha was her second elder brother, who gave her courage to face life again. But soon, he fell sick and passed away, leaving her heartbroken once again. Her mother, unable to bear the pain of losing both her husband and son and seeing her daughter’s suffering slowly turned to alcohol. Her health declined, and she too passed away, leaving Sirisha all alone in the world, with her five years son.
For years, Sirisha struggled doing odd jobs, facing humiliation, yet refusing to give up. She worked wherever she could find little job in shops anything to earn a few rupees for her child’s food. Then, one day, she heard about Preranalaya Social Development Centre and tried to come to meet the Director. She understood that this place can help her to rebuild her life. So, she joined as a helper, unsure at first, but slowly finding a family among strangers.
Sirisha learned courage, dignity, and self-worth and found her voice, her courage, and her dignity. She learned to believe in herself again. The Preranalaya Social Development Centre didn’t just give her work — it gave her hope. It is her new home — a place where broken wings were taught to fly again.
Today as she looks at the pain of her past, she feels strengthened, and the tears that once fell in sorrow, flowed with gratitude. She also learned that strength doesn’t come from what you have, but from what you overcome. Now, Sirisha lives with her son, proud and peaceful. She stands as a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope, grateful to Preranalaya Social Development Centre for showing her path, that no matter how deep the wounds of life may be, a woman’s spirit — once awakened — can rebuild her entire world.
She often says, “Life tested me in every way, but it also showed me that even from the hardest soil, a flower can bloom.”
Sirisha first time when I met her in 2021 she was different person she was very timid, shy-full and unable to communicate with a new person. But now I see her as a strong and bold lady. She has a lot of strength to face all that she never expected to be her fate, but withstood and made as good fortune in her life.
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This story is part of a series from the SCN Global Justice Committee highlighting Sisters’ ministries with people who are oppressed and marginalized and the relationships that shape their lives and ministries.