If there is a minus somewhere, there are pluses too. Advocate Pranita Kotakar’s story is perhaps a reflection of that philosophical sentiment.
She was born and raised in a family with limited means. Her parents toiled incredibly hard as daily wage labourers. But the environment made it up. “I was born and raised in Sawantwadi, a beautiful town in Sindhudurga district, Maharashtra,” reflects Pranita.
Though the parents doted on their two daughters but after sometime, it became difficult to afford schooling for two, young promising girls. In 2009, Pranita’s mother came to know about a girl’s hostel run by AIM for Seva in Sawantwadi (Kumari Deepa Devi Singh AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls) and Pranita managed to find a second home when she entered class 6. She stayed in the hostel till she completed class 9. “Despite our financial hardships, we have always been a close-knit and supportive family,” shares Pranita. What’s equally heartening to hear is that Pranita’s mother played an instrumental role in ensuring her daughter completed her schooling and higher studies.
And Pranita did not disappoint the trust her mother had reposed on her. “I was a very studious child and was consistently ranked among the top 5 in my class,” confesses Pranita.
Slowly, she emerged as an all-rounder.” I actively participated in almost every competition—including elocution, singing, storytelling, sloka recitation, and dance—and frequently won prizes and secured top positions, which kept me motivated throughout my school years.”
Pranita’s favourite subject in school was English and she adored her English teacher, Ms. Naik, and was proud to be one of her favourite students. “Outside of regular schoolwork, I loved spending hours reading books in the library. I was also deeply passionate about extra-curricular activities, especially elocution (waktrutva) and storytelling competitions, “sums up Pranita.
As a young child, Pranita was extremely fascinated with the world of performing arts and dreamt of becoming an actor someday! “I always hoped to create a distinct identity for myself and bring joy to people through screen or stage,” shares Pranita.
But as they say, life has its twists and turns. Pranita’s father had struggled with alcohol addiction and her mother wanted her bright daughter to continue her studies in a peaceful environment. “Looking back, my mother actually took a very brave and bold step by sending me to the AIM for Seva hostel,” recounts Pranita.
Pranita is extremely grateful for living and studying in a Gurukul kind of atmosphere during her formative years. “It provided the structure, safety, and peace I desperately needed, and I quickly adjusted and felt truly happy and content living there,” she recollects.
She adds that going to school was a fulfilling experience for her. “While it required hard work, it never felt like a burden because I genuinely loved studying. Having a dedicated environment to learn made the hard work highly enjoyable.”
Post schooling, Pranita completed her bachelor’s degree in political science. She then went on to successfully clear her 5-year LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree after which she went on to complete her Master of Laws (LLM), specialising in criminology.
Today, Pranita dons multiple hats. She is a practicing criminal advocate and alongside her legal career, she is also a well-known social media influencer and public speaker, popularly recognized across the region as the ‘Kokan Anchor.’
And the people at Kumari Deepa Devi Singh AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, forever remain close to her heart. “I formed very deep and meaningful bonds during my time at the hostel. What I cherish most is how the values, ethics, and strict discipline instilled in me at the hostel help me connect with and help so many people today. For me, the hostel came as a ray of hope in the pitch darkness of my early life. Before joining the hostel, I was like an unshaped lump of clay. It is truly because of the divine blessings and grace of Param Pujya Swamiji (Puja Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Founder, AIM for Seva) and Param Pujya Mataji (Swamini Swatmanishtananda Saraswati ji, hostel coordinator at Sawantwadi) that I was moulded into a beautiful, meaningful sculpture. My heartfelt thanks go to my favorite rectors, Raul Tai, Dalvi Tai, and Mangal Tai, for their motherly care and guidance. I cannot forget Dhuri Kaki and Dhuri Aji, who cooked delicious, nourishing meals for us with so much love in the kitchen. I am also thankful to all my fellow hostel mates because every single one of these individuals played a part in shaping who I am today,” says Pranita matter-of-factly.
As a lawyer, Pranita has also realized the importance and impact of work done by organizations like AIM for Seva. “True national progress can only happen when grassroots communities are uplifted, and that begins with providing equal opportunities to underprivileged children. AIM for Seva doesn’t just provide free food and shelter; it builds a strong foundation of values, culture (Sanskar), and education. By turning rural and tribal students into confident, independent, and ethical professionals like lawyers, teachers, and entrepreneurs, AIM for Seva is directly transforming the social and economic fabric of our country,” concludes Pranita.
Thank you very much Pranita and our heartiest wishes on all your professional endeavours.