Meera* is a 17-year-old girl from Mumbai who ran away from her home at the age of eight. She left because her stepfather would beat her and tell her that she was not his own. Her mother would also beat her and tell her she was a burden to them.
When Meera first ran away, she went to a train station where she met a couple who took her to their home. They let her stay overnight, and the next day they took her to the police station. However, it turned out that the family had given fake identities and a fake address, and they disappeared. The police then referred Meera to a children’s home, and from there she was placed in a foundation. She stayed there for four years, but at the age of 12, she ran away from the foundation, saying she didn’t like it. Meera had planned to run away with others, but they lost contact with each other, and she ended up in Mumbai alone.
After arriving at one of the busiest train stations, she was once again taken to a children’s home. She stayed there for 5-6 months before being transferred to the Salvation Army home in Mumbai. Meera stayed at the Salvation Army home for another four years and completed the ninth grade. However, the organization changed its policy to only host minors, so Meera had to be transferred to another local home. She didn’t enjoy it there, and after six months, her social worker helped her transfer to the restoration home instead..
Meera aspires to complete a beautician course which will enable her to have a trade and save up for her future endeavors.
*pseudonym
Update October 2023
Meera has completed her beautician course and has moved to a guest house that is closer to her work.
