Voices of Strength: A Reflection on The Undefeated

On May 1st 2025, we had the opportunity to sit down with three bright young women from TARA Girls — Rimi, Nimmi, and Kiran (all names changed) — to speak about The Undefeated, a powerful series of 15 animated short films based on the real lives of children at TARA. According to Rimi, watching the series for the first time was a deeply emotional experience. It stirred a mix of feelings — pride, sadness, inspiration, and hope. Some episodes were especially heartbreaking, such as My Hand Like a Bird, which speaks of a young girl's experience with abuse. “It was painful to hear, but important that her story is told,” she shared. Another moving episode was Miss India, which highlights the harsh realities many girls face in our society.

These stories, though difficult, made her more empathetic and aware.

Others found the series incredibly inspiring. Nimmi shared how The Gentleman stayed with her — the way the boy, Satya, tries to overcome his struggles and become a better version of himself left a lasting impression. “He reminds us that change is possible, even when the past has been hard,” she said.

My Necklace for Life also struck a powerful chord with her. In it, the girl wears a scar on her neck due to her injuries, and when asked about it, she replies, “I’m so rich, I got a necklace for life.” Nimmi reflected on how that kind of courage and optimism — turning pain into pride — is something she will never forget.

Both Rimi and Kiran felt especially connected to Satya from The Gentleman for his determination and Lakshmi from My Necklace for Life for her strength and hope. Despite coming from a background so different from her classmates, Lakshmi didn’t give up. She is living her best life — learning, growing, and adapting — and that inspires them. For Rimi, The Undefeated truly reflects life at TARA. “It shows how everything changes when a child finds safety, education, care, and support,” she said. “At TARA, we go to school, eat well, and have adults who really care about us. It’s not just a home — it’s a second chance.”

When asked to describe The Undefeated in one word, Kiran struggled to pick just one. “Impactful. Or inspiring. Or maybe courageous — because that’s what the characters are. They are all brave.” For Nimmi, being “undefeated” means staying strong and powerful, no matter what life throws at you.

If they could choose to be one of the characters, both Nimmi and Kiran said they’d be Lakshmi from My Necklace for Life or Amina from Miss India. “They went through so much but came out stronger,” they said. “They remind me how important it is to believe in yourself.”

When asked what message they would like to send to the world through The Undefeated, Rimi said it best: “If you see someone struggling, don’t just walk away. Help them however you can. Be kind — because even one small act of kindness can change someone’s world.”