INDIA: In the quiet village of Dangheda in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, the life story of Aarti Tiwari reflects the struggles faced by many families living on the margins of rural society. Her journey, shaped by hardship, determination, and a deep love for music, stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
Aarti was born into a family that had already endured tragedy. Her parents had lost their first daughter shortly after birth. When her elder sister Jyoti arrived, the family hoped for stability, but the birth of another daughter brought social pressure and criticism. According to relatives, Aarti’s mother faced constant taunts from neighbors and extended family for giving birth to daughters. Alongside this emotional strain, the household struggled daily to secure basic necessities.
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Three years later, the birth of Aarti’s younger brother Harsh brought some relief and joy. Yet financial difficulties remained a constant presence. Aarti’s father suffered from recurring illnesses, limiting his ability to maintain steady employment. Temporary periods of recovery offered brief stability, but long-term security remained elusive.
Despite these challenges, Aarti remained determined to pursue education. She completed her primary schooling in her village and later attended nearby institutions for her secondary studies. The journey to education was anything but easy. Aarti and her siblings often collected leftover grains from agricultural fields, gathered firewood, and took up small labor tasks to help support the family. Her mother contributed by sewing clothes for income, while Aarti spent hours making fuel cakes and decorating scarves with small stars. At times, the siblings even sold momos to earn a few extra rupees.
When Aarti reached grade twelve, her commitment to education became even more evident. The school she attended was nearly 30 kilometers away, yet she cycled there daily. During this time, Aarti and her sister also taught at a local school, earning about 1,000 rupees per month. The modest income helped sustain the family but forced difficult choices between supporting the household and continuing studies.
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Until completing class twelve, Aarti lived with her family in a small mud house. Every monsoon season brought fresh challenges as rainwater leaked through the fragile roof. The family repeatedly repaired the house with whatever materials they could find, determined to carry on despite difficult living conditions.
Later, Aarti found work as a hotel receptionist earning around 6,000 rupees a month. With this income she began pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree while continuing to nurture a lifelong passion for music. Her dedication led her to apply for professional music programs, eventually securing an opportunity to train with T-Series in Noida.
The Rise of Aarti Tiwari in Music
Moving to the city brought new challenges. Accommodation was difficult to find and living costs were high. To survive, Aarti took typing jobs and other small assignments while continuing both her education and music training. Adjusting to urban life was not easy due to language barriers, unfamiliar transport systems, and financial pressure. Yet her perseverance paid off as she completed both her B.Com degree and music education.
During this period, Aarti began performing live singing shows in cities such as Delhi and Noida. She also emerged as a talented poet, writing stories, poems, and shayari that resonated with listeners. One of her cover songs, “Biba,” gained appreciation from audiences online. Her poetry line, “Hazaar masle hain khandani mere paas, Ishq tu mere paas mehfooz nahi,” became widely admired among followers.
After completing her training at T-Series, Aarti continued working with the company and eventually took on the role of Audio Testing Manager. At present she is also pursuing Prabhakar in music and is in the fifth year of her studies.
Like many others, Aarti’s life was disrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown. She explored different ways to sustain herself, including small property ventures and managing paying guest accommodations. Over time, she saved money and, with the support of her family, arranged her wedding to Utkarsh, who became an important pillar of support in her life.
Although family responsibilities eventually limited her live music performances, Aarti still describes music as an inseparable part of her life. From 2018 to 2024 she lived her musical dream wholeheartedly, and stepping away from it was one of the most difficult decisions she ever faced.
Today Aarti leads a modest life, balancing work and family responsibilities. Her journey from a struggling rural household to professional achievement illustrates the perseverance required to overcome poverty and social barriers. It is also a reminder that behind many quiet lives lie extraordinary stories of determination, sacrifice, and hope.
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