Meet Sonia Daptardar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sonia Daptardar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sonia, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I’ve been a ballet dancer since I was 2 years old, and from the beginning, I dreamed of dancing en pointe. But ballet, much like life, is not as effortless as it seems. I fell countless times before perfecting even the smallest step. While I remained determined, there were moments where I felt like a failure. Ballerinas may look graceful on stage, but every step behind the scenes is a testament to grit and perseverance—lessons reinforced throughout my pointe journey.

In my 8th year of dance, I faced a major shift when my family moved to North Carolina. I had to adjust to a new studio, new expectations, and just as I was adapting, COVID-19 forced all of us into virtual classes. Despite these challenges, ballet remained the one constant in my life, teaching me to persevere through uncertainty and change.

After 12 years of dedication, I finally received my pointe shoes at 14. It was a hard-earned moment, built on years of resilience. Looking back, I realize ballet gave me the strength to overcome obstacles and the determination to never quit, no matter how difficult the journey. This is where my resilience comes from—continuing even when the path is full of stumbles

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

In seventh grade, I founded Seeds of Reading with the goal of boosting early literacy rates and providing free educational opportunities to children around the world. What began as a small initiative—creating accessible reading content on Instagram and YouTube—quickly gained traction, and we soon reached over 60,000 views. This growth inspired us to expand our mission, from donating books to underprivileged communities to partnering with other nonprofits and organizations. As our impact grew, so did our team, and we launched a global ambassador program, empowering students across 10 states to create reading content and get involved in our events.

What truly sets Seeds of Reading apart is our focus on evolution. We’re not just a reading platform—we’re a community that’s constantly innovating. From hosting free educational classes to organizing reading-themed events that foster a sense of community, we’ve become more than just a source of content; we’re a movement dedicated to making education accessible to all.

Our most recent event, 30 Books, 30 Days, was a huge success, bringing together readers from all over the world. As we continue to grow, I’m excited about the collaborative projects we have on the horizon. There’s always something new happening, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you soon!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The most important quality for me has been passion. I couldn’t dedicate the time and energy to what I do if I didn’t genuinely love it. For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: pursue what excites you. If it doesn’t get you out of bed in the morning or fill you with purpose, it’s worth reevaluating. Passion is what keeps me pushing to make a greater impact in the community, and it’s what fuels my commitment to continuous growth.

Equally important is empathy. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, but recognizing that everyone is facing their own challenges is crucial. One moment that shaped my understanding of empathy was serving at a homeless shelter at age 12, just after the pandemic. Interacting with people who each had their own story was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening and understanding others. Empathy, for me, is about spreading kindness daily, no matter how small, because you never know the impact it may have.

Finally, communication has been a game changer in my journey. Starting with speaking competitions at 11, I learned how to express ideas clearly under pressure. That led to competitive interviews, where placing in the top 3 globally gave me the confidence to launch my own talk show. Hosting over 20 episodes has allowed me to connect with changemakers, deepening my understanding of philanthropy and youth leadership. Effective communication has not only opened doors for me but has also enabled me to share stories that inspire others.

These three qualities—passion, empathy, and communication—have been instrumental in my journey, but they’re lifelong skills. My advice to those starting out is to never stop learning, growing, and refining these qualities, because they’re the foundation for meaningful impact.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill the values of empathy, service, and compassion. Growing up, I witnessed my mother’s kindness firsthand—especially during our visits to India. She wouldn’t just donate to those in need; she would stop, listen, and connect with them, taking the time to understand their stories. That act of seeing people beyond their circumstances deeply influenced me. It taught me that true compassion isn’t just about giving but about recognizing the humanity in others. This lesson of empathy is something I carry with me and try to implement in every project.

My parents have also been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. They gave me the freedom to grow at my own pace, without pressure, and always encouraged me to pursue what I love. Their sacrifices, whether it was skipping things that interested them to focus on my passions or guiding me through challenges, never went unnoticed. I owe much of my personal and professional success to their unwavering belief in me.

Their influence not only shaped who I am as a person but also fueled my passion for service and leadership. They taught me that success isn’t measured solely by achievements but by the positive impact we can have on others. That’s a lesson I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

– Seeds of Reading Global Ambassador Team
– Amruta Daptardar

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