Abdulhaq Shaikh - Mumbai, Maharashtra

 

My name is Abdulhaq Shaikh, and I live in Bombay with my parents and elder sister.
I was born on 10th April 1997, and since then, life has been a slow and evolving journey. I’ve grown up in a loving and pampered family environment, where I’ve always been seen as one of the pillars of the house.

Before let's make a difference

My academic life during school and college was not something I was proud of. I was distracted, undisciplined, and hardly interested in studies. I often skipped homework, got into trouble, and received constant complaints from teachers. Despite all that, I somehow managed to complete school with better marks than expected.

After school, I had no clear plan for my future. But I had a strong passion for cars, which led me to take admission in a polytechnic college for automobile engineering. Thanks to a vocational course I had done earlier, I entered directly into the second year. College brought a sense of freedom — but instead of using it wisely, I wasted time skipping lectures, avoiding projects, and eventually failing in multiple semesters. Then came COVID, and staying at home became the only option.

In 2019, I first heard about Let’s Make A Difference through my sister. I noticed a positive change in her after she returned from the conference—she was more confident and clearer in her thoughts. Instead of explaining what the conference about, she encouraged me to experience it myself. And so, I participated in 2022

During the 8-Day National youth conference

I had no idea what to expect from the place or the program. Initially, I was uncomfortable and didn’t feel like socializing.

One of the  practices I came across was Quiet Time—tuning in to my inner voice. When I began journaling with just a pen and a diary, I was shocked by discovering within myself. I came to understand that being outwardly “good” wasn’t enough. Deep down, I was holding on to grudges like judgment, ego, greed, anger, selfishness, dishonesty, and even lust. I wasn’t being authentic. I often took people for granted and stayed connected only when there was something in it for me.

Family Day was another powerful turning point for me. It made me reflect deeply and realize that my thoughts and actions were not in proper. I rarely cry, but that day, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

Each day involved sessions quite time,group discussion, daily interactions people where I found myself sharing thoughts I'd usually keep private.

After Let’s Make A Difference

Back to home full of positive mind to work on myself. It felt like a rebirth with moral values, and I committed to staying connected with these values for life.

I started building discipline and consistency in good habits like waking up early, reading, practising quiet time and workouts.
For months, I have been thinking of a shift in my career path. Eventually, I realized that real growth begins where procrastination ends and comfort zones are left behind.

By listening to my inner voice and took a bold step pursuing a career in the fitness industry. I'm now working as a personal trainer, nutritionist in a gym

"I'm grateful to Viral Sir for his guidance. By living according to the principles he teaches, he sets a powerful example for all of us."

ABDULHAQ SHAIKH