Gundamma’s Journey from Adversity to National Football
In India, the narrative of girls’ education and empowerment has undergone a remarkable transformation, with young women now shattering barriers and achieving milestones across various fields. Gundamma, a spirited young girl from a marginalized community, embodies this change through her extraordinary journey of resilience, determination, and sporting excellence.
Gundamma’s early life was fraught with challenges. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father, struggling with alcoholism, was absent from the family. Facing an uncertain future, Gundamma was admitted to a hostel. Her life took a positive turn when she joined a partner organization of IYSA, where she found care, education, and mentorship. She completed her 10th Standard and is now pursuing her Pre-University Course in Science
This is the inspiring journey of Mr. Murugaraj (Shiva), a runaway child who overcame hardships to become a football coach and the founder of the Indian Young Sporting Alliance (IYSA).
Born into a family of nine in Hyderabad, Mr. Murugaraj faced a turbulent childhood due to his alcoholic father’s abuse. His two elder brothers had already run away, and at the age of six, unable to endure the violence, he too made a daring escape. During a family trip to Tirupati, he seized an opportunity, boarded a train alone, and ended up in Pune. Rescued by Don Bosco staff, he was given shelter and care. Attempts to reunite him with his family were unsuccessful, and after several transfers between Don Bosco centers, he was placed at Don Bosco Ajjanahalli, Ramnagara District, which is adjacent to Bangalore Metro City, Karnataka State where he started school.
