Gowri Shankar: A Story of Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Success

Shy and reticent Gowri Shankar is possibly the personification of the old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Hailing from Yelahanka, about 19km from Bangalore, Gowri received a serious blow in his life at the age of fourteen when his mother passed away. His father slipped into a depression so serious that Gowri had to be placed in a shelter home. Unsurprisingly, he became severely introverted, but he displayed a steely core when he dedicated himself into the pursuit of his academics. Not only did Gowri pass his Class 12 board exams some years later from a government school with a First Class score, but he simultaneously pursued competitive examinations for undergraduate study.

The Joining Hands Higher Education Program is proud to have introduced Gowri to the Cadence Scholarship Program, which is giving him complete financial support to pursue his Bachelor of Technology degree in Information Science. Gowri is currently in the fourth year of the course.

One of the unique aspects of the Scholarship Program is providing mentorship to the students. The Program has provided Gowri with guidance that has bolstered his confidence levels. Dr. S Rajesh, his mentor at Cadence, has been a steadfast friend, philosopher, and guide and both Dr Rajesh and the Joining Hands team is in regular touch with Gowri to provide guidance and counselling.

Gowri’s life recently hit a new high when he secured a job as an application development associate at at large multi-national company in Bangalore. Amongst the first people he called was his mentor Dr. Rajesh to share the good news. He will be joining the job when he finishes his course in August 2021.

Gowri says, "Cadence and Joining Hands helped me to pursue my education and the mentorship that I receive constantly helps me to learn things which proved to be very beneficial at the time of my placement. I want to give back to society by supporting social causes once I am economically independent."

Wind in your sails, Gowri. We look forward to great things from you!