'Maid' of Honour!

Even before writing this blog, I thought of a number of names to head this blog. Heads like, Bai the way, Maid of love, Bai all means, Bai default, Maid to measure et el. But finally I settled for ‘ Maid of Honour.’ You guessed it right. This blog is dedicated to that one person without whom life ( at least in India) would go for a toss. No matter how rude, how ruthless, how rueful or even how revolting she may be at times, she is still the one, most of us count on, most of the times.

Right from my childhood, I have had various maids lending a helping hand, and trust me, I liked them all.  Starting from the two maids,( Laxmi and Bala), who treated me as if i were a princess,( I also remember attending their  wedding), to the one with whom, my brother and I went to watch a Telgu movie, ( how she convinced my mother, is yet another story. J ), to the christian maid who would bring home a Christmas cake, the very next day after the big eve and a few more, all of them are very very close to my heart. Whenever I think of them a smile crosses my face, and I feel deeply grateful that they have been a part of my life.




Well! I can actually go on and on, discussing almost every maid that has served me, but this blog is dedicated to my present maid, who is a fighter by all means. she fights not only for her own rights but also for the rights of others. Here goes the story.

For the last one year Mamta, my maid, sets her feet on my doorstep at sharp 6.30 am. ;) ( even on Sundays. L ). She can actually put the ’Time ’ to shame. One fine day this walking clock, ( as I call her) was almost a few hrs late than usual. So much that I dreaded she might not come. After panicking for some time I gathered courage ( I need lots, for the person who cannot even clean the spam mails, cleaning the house is a big big thing. J ) and took my weapons to hit the floor ( literally). It is then that I heard the door bell ring. And BANG there she was right in front of me. ( forget the clinched million dollar smile. What I had was n times more than that. ;) ). Obviously I enquired why she was late, and she narrated a heart wrenching yarn, putting me to tears.

That morning on her way to work, Mamta heard a meek cry. She followed the voice, and to her shock the voice came from the near by dustbin. She peeped into the bin, and what she saw was a ghastly act of humanity. There in the bin lay a baby, who was barely few hours old . the little gal was wrapped in a dirty cloth which was kept in a huge plastic bag. ( As she said these words tears rolled down her eyes. my eyes were wet too.) Without even giving a second thought Mamta took the baby to the nearby police station. She had to go through a lot of queries at the police station but this did not stop her from trying her best to help the child. After she was convinced that the baby was now in safe hands, she followed the road to her work.

The baby is now safe in an orphanage.
 
There are a few more humble acts that this bold lady has performed, about which I will update you some other time. But for now lets salute this amazing woman for the kindness and humanity that she has displayed.

A bird in Hand!

 

This year, 2012, on Valentines day, I wished to do a story, that explored the myriad shades of love. I wanted to share with the world that, unlike the boy met gal and love blossomed clinch, love has many more shades. And it is during this story that I happened to come across this, young man, who stood as an epitome of love.

 

 

 

The day Rohit Gangwal, a jeweler by profession, landed in Jaipur eight years ago, he found himself holding an injured bird, who seemed to be the prey of 'the glass coated manja' during the Sankrathi, the kite festival. Despite his immense efforts, Rohit was unable to save the bird. He was so broken by the fact that the bird died in his hands due to the negligence of many irresponsible citizens, and also due to the dearth of first aid. It is then that Rohit took it up upon himself to do his best to save bird life. He promised himself that never again in his sight will he let a bird die due to lack of first aid. This gave birth to ‘ Raksha’ an organization that helps to save birds.

 

Every year Rohit, along with his team, works to save the birds and also organizes free bird treatment camps to lend first aid and intense carI to the injured birds. “ It is said that the hands that help are holier than the lips that pray‘. It is sad to see that there are innumerable birds that are severely injured during the kite festival and even otherwise. Rohit emotes, "It is our duty as human beings to take a step to save the birds. You can either call it my love for my feathered friends or my duty of being a human, that motivates me to work hard and also encourage others through various campaigns to save these silent creatures. ” Rohit also holds campaigns to free caged birds. Yes! This is love. The love of giving. Hats of to you Rohit. And YOU, if you happen to be yet another kite lover, make sure to play safe, and avoid hazadorous Manjas in order to save bird life. :)

　

Nurturing Hope! :)

A month before his retirement, J. Antonymuthu, Assistant Executive Engineer with Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, met with an accident in Chennai. His right leg was broken and he required hospitalisation. It was during the time spent in hospital back in 1994 that he developed the urge to do “something good for the society.”

“I remember, I was asleep under a heavy dose of medication. When I woke up, father-in-law, who is a doctor based in Madurai, and my wife Lalitha, were beside me. I just told them I wanted to start an orphanage for poor children after I was discharged.”

Initially, the family tried to convince him to take voluntary retirement and shift to Madurai, but Antonymuthu's inner voice guided him elsewhere. With the retirement benefits which he received, he set up ‘Children Welfare Home' in 1995. Finding orphaned children with no or poor financial backing was not difficult in the metro and he gave shape to his dream with the first batch of 16 boys.

Initial struggle

Recalls Antonymuthu: “Initially it was quite a struggle. We had a rented accommodation. These children were of different ages with hardly any education. Disciplining them was a major issue.”

Having set himself with a goal, he was not the ones to give up easily. Burning holes in his pocket, he ran the orphanage for 12 years providing everything for the boys whom he took under his fold each year through advertisements. From food, clothes, medicines, education, he paid for everything as even donations were not easy to come by. “They were, and still are, far and few,” he says.

Four years ago, Antonymuthu shifted to his wife's native town, Madurai. He has no regret mentioning how financially tough it is to fund a large family as his. On an average, this childless couple raised 16 to 20 boys each year. “In big cities, everything is more expensive. We felt life in a small town would be comparatively easy and we could also take more children from rural poor background and provide them with an opportunity to do well in life.”

With this renewed mission, Antonymuthu brought his orphanage to the Temple Town. While from his last batch of children in Chennai, a majority left after finishing Class XII, he brought the remaining few and found a dozen more to restart the orphanage. He built his own home which can accommodate 40 boys. At present, he has 26 boys, aged seven to 14 years, with him. All of them study in CSI High School, Pasumalai.

Talking about them, he says, “This age group is usually the most disobedient lot. They often run away and are difficult to control. Whoever is able to study well, we want to help them to study further. Though I provide free education, it is my regret that not a single child from my orphanage in these years has gone beyond Class XII. These kids are more interested in movies than studies.”

Living on hope

He follows up, fondly: “In the present group, I feel 90 per cent of them are good students and hope that some of them will surely fly high.”

What is a matter of consolation for him is that is does not cost too much to run the home in Madurai. What he complains of is the lack of sufficient hands to help. Antonymuthu also realises there are not many ways of raising funds either. But this down-to-earth Good Samaritan has stopped worrying. “I have realised blessings rain from the sky and God provides timely help,” he says, even though the advertisement he has placed in the papers for a warden has not evoked any response.

Today the orphanage is being run by Antonymuthu, his wife, a cook and a driver. He finds it difficult to manage without a warden because the bunch of pre-teen boys gets really unruly at times. “I am growing old and can't run around much,” he says. “But”, he adds, “I wanted to serve the starving and the poor. It is my dream to introduce some refinement and class in them by providing them the right kind of environment and opportunity.”

Kind-hearted people like Antonymuthu have demonstrated that each of us can contribute to the society – for the poor and the underprivileged. This Independence Day, he is our city's unsung hero.

This is a story about J. Antonymuthu, a former TNEB engineer who has gone beyond the call of duty in supporting poor orphans. I read this article in 'The Hindu', and was inspired to share it here. A grand salute to him!

Caring Claire!

While a part of the world is hell bent on treating human beings like they brutally treat animals, we have on this planet a few people who prefer to differ. Not that most of us are brutal towards the four-legged beings, but to our best we do is, sympathaize with animals. seeing a dog, a cat, a goat...suffering in the street, we feel sorry and move ahead. But just recently I came across a charming young gal, who not only felt sad for these helpless animals, but also took upon herself to treat, love and care after these living things. talking to her made me realize that one doesnt have to be different from others to bring the change, all one has to have is a difference in opinion and the gut to take charge.

Meet 22 year old Melborne born Claire Abrams, who has been living at Udaipur ever since she was a school girl. This young girl is a rare combination of the bold and the beautiful. Beautiful not only by looks but through her deeds as well, and bold because she dared to bring in a revolution, one we might just dream of. While many of us detest coming across street animals, Claire, along with her parents, runs a rescue centre, hospital and sanctuary called ‘Animal Aid Unlimited’ for the ownerless street animals of Udaipur. Shares Claire, “ my parents have always had a great compassion for these unspoken beings and this encouraged me to be a part of this mission that helps to bring relief to these suffering creatures. ” in order to heal and nurture the abandoned and sick animals Claire, along with her parents, has made efforts to learn to deal with street animals. Says Claire, “ we often wondered if people would come forward to lend a hand thus helping us cure more and more suffering animals. And gradually but surely more and more people have learnt to call us at Animal Aid to report suffering animals in the city. Such kindness and empathy go a long way to make the world a pleasurable place for these speechless creatures. Immunizing street dogs against rabies, conducting humane education programs, encouraging people of all ages including children, to respect and be kind towards the street animals thus spreading awareness on empathy towards animals are some of the silent features of Animal Aid Unlimited. One wonders how they manage to keep the animals. Clarie informs, “ we have a 88,000 Sq.ft. rented land at Badi. The place is a shelter to around 250 animals. Various animals like cows, donkeys, dogs etc, of which some suffer from different ailments and some are crippled and wounded, reside here.”

I bow to you Claire for all your sincere efforts. Good luck and god bless you!

　

Planting CHANGE!

Aashayein

 Thirteen might be an unlucky number for some, but when a bunch of engineering students decided to toil hard to bring in the desired change in the society, they took up the challenge from the word go. The number of boys were thirteen, but not once did they think it was unlucky. These boys started their journey barely two years back, when they decided to channelise their time and energy to do good for the society.” we were done with the global warming and pollution thing. We heard and spoke a lot about it, but one day, inspired by Sir APJ Aabdul Kalam’s words, which read be the change that you wish to see, we determined to show our concern in actions rather than words. It was then that after fighting all odds Aashayein - a ray of hope was born” says Gaurav Joshi. Neither strong criticism nor the dearth of resources could hinder the strong determination of these youngsters.
In their ‘

 Today Aashayein isa family of 63 youngsters and each one is truly dedicated to make the world green. With immense perseverance and dexterity these set of youngsters are indeed a ray of hope. The journey may be slow but it is surely steady. From feeding the hunger to spending quality time during weekends at orphanages and old age homes and planting innumerable trees and convincing the gentry to go green Aashayein’s contribution may be a drop in the ocean, but it is these drops that make an ocean.

You can Bcoz You Think ' YOU CAN'. :)Go Green and Go Clean’ mission Aashayein has achieved two major mile stones. Their first event was a tree plantation drive at Pantheswar temple at Chand pole (Jodhpur) where Dr. Jagruti Upadhaya and Dr Anil Chanagni were our guest of honor. here they planted more than 100 plants, out of which 72 have already grown into trees. Secondly on 19th july 2011 at Sehgadha Village in Jodhpur District the team of 50 youngsters took a leap ahead and planted exactly 1100 trees in one day at Shri hansraj ji maharaj asahram. …..a ray of hope

A golden Heart- Anurag Dube

 

 

‘Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.’ ~Samuel Ullman

 

I recently happened to come across a man, who not only kept his own spirits high, but also encouraged the old and the depressed to do so. He, a mineral water supplier, realizing the fact that how the fast paced life is affecting the senior citizens, making them feel unwanted and good for nothing, chose to help such people and bring smile on their faces.

 

It is said that when strong will power, supported by confidence and faith in oneself, team together then bringing out the desired change is inevitable. Anurag Dube, a 43 year old resident of Udaipur, an M.sc and MBA by qualification, has taken upon himself to defy and look after those senior citizens of this city, who are left uncared to fall prey to depression. Reveals Anurag, “ I have always had a soft- corner for the aged gentry. More so for those who are left uncared for.” Anurag, along with his bunch of registered members and trustees who support the cause, provides various services like visiting the lonely when needed, helping them cheer up, depositing various monthly bills like, water, electricity, telephone and also taking them for medical check ups. Anurag organizes meetings among the like minded senior citizens. He adds, “ owing to the nuclear family culture and high pay packages, that create the undesired gap among generations, many senior citizens are found neglected. It has been my dream to support such people and make them spend the last few years of their life happily. I have barely put a step forward and am now i look forward to exploring different horizons in terms of caring for the senior citizens.”

 

Hats off to Anurag Dube , the man with a golden heart. I understand guys that not many of us will ever do such a thing, but can we not, from our so called busy lives, spare a few minutes per week to spend with to talk to the older members of the family, thus learning from their experiences and helping them take pride in everything that they have done all through the years.  

　

Story behind 'Sir D. R. Mehta'

By Namita S Kalla

Most of us on this planet sweat blood in order to follow an ambition that drives us towards success and self-satisfaction. But not many have the audacity to deal with delicate issues that are concerned with the poor and the downtrodden. It is true that only a few fortunate and valiant persons choose the path that is jammed with misery. Such people intrude the miseries of the poor and work towards clearing the despair with their sincere efforts. Mr. Devendra Raj Mehta, a retired IAS officer is one such man, a man of essence.

Born in June 1937 at Jodhpur, Mr.Devendra completed his schooling from Sardar School Jodhpur and later finished his graduation in Arts. He further studied law from the Rajasthan University, Jaipur and went on to join the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London and Alfred Sloan School of Management, Boston (USA). Calling himself a failed Lawyer (while we would prefer to say a failed liar) he became the IAS in the year1961 and took up diverse responsible positions at both the State and the Central government. He has served as the collector of Barmer, Sikar and Jaisalmer and has also been the secretary of the State government positions in industries and mines. He remained the secretary to the state chief minister twice. During his tenure with the state government, Devendra was also appointed the Anti body Commissioner of Rajasthan to implement the novel scheme of the upliftment of the deprived. He also served as the Relief Commissioner of Rajasthan.

His other accomplishments include working as the Joint Secretary, Controller of Capital Issues and Additional Secretary, Banking in the ministry of Finance, the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports in the capacity of the Director General of the Foreign Trade during the time when the fundamental changes were introduced in the Exim policy of the
country under the first financial reforms exercise in the country. In1992, he was appointed the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. It was then that the banking reforms were introduced to ensure the financial consolidation of the Indian banks. Further, in 1995, he took the charge as the Chairman of the Security and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It was during his term that a swing
of reformative actions were introduced in the SEBI, which included
important policy changes and about 40 regulations in order to make the
Indian Capital Market the superior in the world.

In 1969, when Mr. Devendra was the collector of Jaiselmer and was returning from a draught relief distribution, he met with a serious accident, the one that almost cost him his leg. As destiny had it Devendra’s leg wasn’t surgically removed but the pain and inconvenience that he felt during that period made him realize the plight of the amputees. He then made up his mind to set up an NGO that would provide the artificial limbs/calipers to the physically challenged, especially those who are underprivileged. After countless efforts his vision cracked in the year 1975 with the name Bhagwan Mahaveer Vikland Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur.

The then one room NGO has now matured into a largest organization with 19 pan India centers for the handicapped around the world and the number of its beneficiaries has crossed about a million. It provides artificial limbs/calipers, other aids and
devices like hand operated tri cycles, wheelchairs, crutches etc.
besides the financial and other required support for self-employment.
The association of the organization with the maker of the famous Jaipur
Foot proved so commendable that it improved the expediency
and popularity of Jaipur Foot across the globe and this recognition
led to a burst in fixing of the Jaipur Foot from a scanty 50 between
the period of 1968 to 1975 to a monstrous 10000 in next seven years and
now, under the sponsorship of this organization around 20000 odd limbs are fitted every year.

His altruistic work continues even today when he has reached the age of 73. Today, he is more like a kid who toils hard to keep his kite moving in the sky, irrespective of all the hurdles. It is his never say die attitude that enables him to meet around 100 patients everyday. He patiently lends his ear to them and discusses their financial and social conditions and helps them in every way he can. It is his will to help others that keeps him moving ahead and moving strongly.

For the strength and concern that he offers to the poor he has been endorsed with an assortment of awards and honors. A few of which include the celebrated Padma Bhushan award in the year 2008, the Satpal Mittal award, CNBC
award for Social Enterprise, the Diwali Bahan award by Dalai Lama, the
Indian for Collective Action award in San Francisco, the esteemed
Tech Museum Innovation award at Silicon Valley (USA) in 2007 and etcetra.

There is a flood of experiences, each amazing than the other, that the man shared with me in the two hours that  I spent with him. Some day I shall share those with you! :)