International Womens Day. My SHeros #WomenInspire Change

Today, March 8, is celebrated as International Womens Day and here’s wishing all you fabulous women out there, and the amazing men who complement us and enrich our lives a very Happy Women’s Day!. Yes, I am blessed with as many men friends as girl friends who are caring buddies.

So – what have we on Women’s Day? My son and husband wished me as soon as I woke up this morning and pestered me asking what I wanted. They still are. I can’t think of anything because I think I have everything I need.

I received this beautiful card from my friend Ravi, who, in the ten-plus years we’ve been close friends has never once forgotten an occasion, a birthday or an anniversary. He designs all his cards and I always feel touched beyond words.

So let’s celebrate International Womens Day 2014!

Since you’ve most likely read all about the why and how of International Womens Day, I thought it would be apt to introduce you to four amazing women in my life who inspire change all the time. By the way, that’s the theme for this year’s International Womens Day – Inspiring Change.

Here we go!

Manju, Swamy Vivekananda Orphanage Education Society

She represents Swamy Vivekananda Orphanage Education Society. When one brave lady left everything she had behind and started a small school for the underprivileged, she joined her. Slowly, they grew the school. Alongside, they also started an orphanage which now has around 50 children in the age group of 5 to 16. Manju visits the city (the school is in the outskirts of Bangalore) twice a month to go door to door and collect contributions. Years ago, she knocked on my door for the first time and we became friendly. I’d invite her in, force her to have some coffee or buttermilk, depending on the weather so she could rest her feet before going on her way. Gradually, we grown sort of close and she calls me “Akka” (elder sister). When she admires something I am wearing, I pack it up and give it to her. The next time she comes over, she makes it a point to wear it and show it off. We have a sweet relationship. I admire her for dedicating her life to making a change for children who need her help. She’s always smiling and pleasant in spite of her tough job.

Sridevi, Seva Sadan

Seva Sadan is my favorite welfare home and Sridevi is in charge there. I swear she hasn’t changed in appearance since the day I first saw her fifteen years ago. Always welcomes me with a smile. She speaks in Kannada and I sort of manage to communicate with her. She has worked there for over twenty years and I see her as a kind and gentle woman who never speaks harshly to the 80-odd children there. I admire the way this home has grown and love visiting them often. I especially admire Sridevi for her strength, for devoting her life to the home.

Revathy Aunty

Revathy Aunty

Revathy Aunty is a very young 80 year old angel who is my neighbor. A more sprightly woman you are unlikely to see. She is the glue that keeps our building residents together. She is at the forefront of every activity and does not let anything deter her. She’s always smiling and is ready with a positive word and a hug. Picnics with her are great fun. I am grinning as I write this. If I had to give an example of great attitude, she would be that example. Always proactive. Always taking an initiative for the building residents’ common good. Never hesitates to step forward to take responsibility. A great soul. She believes that change is the only constant and improvement the only policy. I love her.

Lady by the roadside

Remember I spoke about my roadside Grandpa in a previous post? Well, this lady joined him one day, three years ago. She just settled in with him on the roadside. When she arrived she had three kids. Now she has four. There’s a guy who hangs out with them, presumably the father of her kids. They used to live off the alms they received from people like me. Then, I noticed she was pregnant. She would make broomsticks and sell them. Somehow, she accumulated some bedding. Eventually she delivered. Now, four kids. She manages them by taking two with her – I presume she has found work somewhere and leaving two with the Grandpa who keeps an eye on them. Now, she has set up a little kitchen at the roadside next to the bus stop. Four bricks, two big utensils and some provisions she keeps in small bags. She cooks and feeds her family. I’ve seen her dress her oldest, probably around 5 years, in a school uniform. Perhaps she goes to the school run by the church. I admire her for keeping calm and carrying on with life. She takes life as it comes. Change doesn’t bother her.

My biggest SHero is my Mom, of course, who came through the toughest times with a big smile and showed life who’s boss.

These women inspire me because they are selfless and seek to change lives.

Do you have a SHero?

USC’s Women Inspire Campaign

“I’m celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by blogging for the #WomenInspire Campaign sponsored by USC’s masters degree in social work program. Join the blog carnival to honor a woman who has inspired you!”