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Meet Meera : The Changemaker We Honour This Women’s Day

My Take

8 Mar
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This Women’s Day Meet Meera..

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Meera is a mom to 18-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy.  She has been a  feature writer who has written for newspapers, done shows for television and all India radio in Bangalore.

Why is she featured as the woman of substance in our Women’s Day Feature?

She probably won’t be here if she hadn’t decided to take her will to do good and do something beyond that. They say changemakers start large movements with small individual steps. While the world laments and bemoans problems, changemakers are resolute in their belief for change.

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Meera’s Story….in her words
I’ve always loved teaching and I have been teaching English for more than 15 years.
I had my Institute called ‘Smart English’ where I thought creative writing, spoken English and public speaking.
Along with my kids, I have always taught my maids my domestic help kids and I saw what kind of impact I could have on their life with my bit of teaching.
One of my maid’s daughter became a receptionist and supported her whole family as she was able to do that because of the English I taught her.
This incident really made me realise what difference I could make in a person’s life.

How did Aasha Infinite originate…
Two years back when Modi gives a speech for Teacher’s Day, saying that there are positive speeches in each one of us. Educated and professionals should teach the underprivileged at least once in a week. It set me thinking and
that was how AASHA was born. I gathered a few of my close friends and said let’s start on this mission and let’s devote one hour week to teach our neighbouring slum kids. What started off with 4 Students and two teachers Now has a devoted volunteer base of more than 30 people and 50 students who never miss the class on festivals and even when it rains. Their eagerness to learn drives us to give our best.

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One thing, I have realised after starting Asha is there is so much goodness around us and people want to do something. All they need is an opportunity and a channel to do it and that is what AASHA is about…a platform to make a difference!
We also have 45 members in our group who teach, volunteer, donate, prepare teaching aids to facilitate better learning. Each one of us wants to do something for our society and country. But we don’t know what to do and how to go about it. We also have limitations because of our families and responsibilities. So even if the inclination is there, it doesn’t materialise. All I did was bridge this gap. The classes go on in a park next to our society, so there is no investment. All the members are volunteers. Most of them post pictures on Facebook of the work here, and that brings in more volunteers. To volunteer one or two days a month is not really difficult for most people and it also makes them feel good about themselves. It is their giving back to the society.

What makes AASHA INFINITE different from other NGOs present around

AASHA is based on the twin concepts of volunteerism and community ownership. Its success thus far has been based on these principles and in that sense, it is uniquely positioned when compared to other organizations. People in the neighborhood have a stake in the organisation’s growth and this has ensured timely and speedy execution of activities. Our approach is to catch them young and remove the impediments and hurdles faced due to their lack of exposure to the English language and hence improve their overall performance in education.

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In the course of teaching English, we realised the children needed to be educated on several other aspects as well. To enable this, we designed several secondary programmes:

 Guest lecture from professionals and experts on various topics like Leadership, Positive thinking, Career counselling, Public speaking, Fun with science, Personal Hygiene, Nutrition etc. Many IITians and IIM grads have been on our panel of guest lectures.

 Yoga from “Art of Living” team and Bhagavad Gita chanting class.

 A circulating library.

 ‘Tech class with TCS techies’ is a program conceived to impart the much-needed IT skills to the AASHA children. Our tie up with TCS for this program has provided a steady flow of volunteers from TCS who are innovatively and passionately introducing technology.

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Future Of AASHA…

We have  been working for Aasha for the last 1 1/2 years and have been learning the ropes of handling a small volunteering organisation to a full-fledged NGO. Now that AASHA INFINITE FOUNDATION is registered we have a Mumbai centre head and contributors, we can now start looking out for corporate and individual donations as well. Till now we have funded Aasha from our pockets and contributions from our friends and well-wishers.

We receive calls every day from different parts of the country wishing to contribute to the cause or to replicate the model. The common thread is the will to do good to others and to make a small dent in the society by making individual contributions, whether it is time or money. I am moving to Bangalore soon and with our base and model set in Mumbai, I will ensure to replicate the same in Bangalore. Our vision is to spread the wings of AASHA Infinite to as many parts of the country as possible and we are sure we will receive as much support from people.

Would you like to be a part of AASHA INFINITE FOUNDATION’s endeavours?

You can contribute your time or your money to such noble causes, please visit their website and their FB Page and get in touch.

From volunteering every day to once a week to a guest lecture once a month or even a 15 min mobile mentorship programme from your home, Aasha has options to suit our busy lifestyles.

 

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17 Comments

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Comments

  1. Lakshmi Suryanarayanan says

    March 8, 2016 at 09:29

    It’s a very satisfying feeling to teach these kids who are really are in need to change their future.. Their dreamy eyes tell many a tale..Really wish this wave would catch on in India and in no time we would be a super nation. After being with these children for an year now I feel more satisfied than I did in my teaching career. On this Women’s Day will pledge to continue to make a difference no matter what. God bless Meera and you Prerna for being what you are..

    Reply
  2. Archana Kapoor says

    March 8, 2016 at 13:56

    I’ve heard of this foundation and the good work they do.
    Thank you for sharing this dear ?

    Reply
  3. bluedreamer27 says

    March 8, 2016 at 21:05

    wow I salute her passion in teaching and how she uses her profession to help those in need (in need of knowledge and information). Her story reminds me of a CNN Hero awardee Efren Peñaflorida… he is also a leader of a NGO that aims to teach street kids and those who can’t afford to go to school through their “Kariton school program”, a moving cart with blackboard and other school materials. They visit depressed areas mostly!
    thanks for sharing her inspiring story

    Reply
  4. Ann Balisbis says

    March 9, 2016 at 10:57

    Women really are empowering humans. Good thing they have this pure heart to help others. I salute her for being such an inspiration to all other girls and boys as well, to use our lives to the fullest we can by helping others.

    Reply
  5. Roselle Carlos-Toledo says

    March 9, 2016 at 13:04

    My mom was a dedicated teacher for 25 years. I have witnessed how she devote time and love to all her students. I have high respect and admiration for educators. You are also a well-accomplished woman. You are a great personification of women who are successful and empowered.

    Reply
  6. Lea says

    March 9, 2016 at 14:29

    It’s always heartwarming to see things like this: volunteering for a cause, helping those in need, kindness in all its forms. I love volunteering in events, so I know how fulfilling it must be to inspire, even in the littlest of things, hoping it would make the world a better place. I hope the organization will be able to help more people learn and influence more volunteers to join the cause! 🙂

    Reply
  7. ASKSonnie says

    March 9, 2016 at 16:21

    Wow, this is one value adding initiative that will spell the difference in the future of a family. You’re equipping them w/ skill that will help them bigtime (1) english communication (2) initiative and (3) critical thinking (2-3 thru your leadership track).

    More power and happy womens week to you ladies!

    Reply
  8. Kati Balayan says

    March 9, 2016 at 17:23

    Such an inspiring individual! Truly if we all take a moment to share our passion in our own little way, the world will be a better place. The younger generation needs a role model to look up to and she is indeed one.

    Reply
  9. SASWATI BHOI says

    March 9, 2016 at 19:31

    A great initiative towards mankind!! Thanks much for spreading the news!! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Aika Loraine says

    March 9, 2016 at 21:51

    An inspiring woman who joined people who empowers Filipina. I always want to join communities like this. Hope she would never get tired of teaching youth. I know she wouldnt! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Dorothy Mae C. Torretijo says

    March 9, 2016 at 22:49

    Since I’m still a college student herein the Philippines, Every year we do a foundation program. And I love the feeling helping other people. A great post indeed. Thank you for sharing xx

    Reply
  12. Paolo Ruel says

    March 9, 2016 at 23:38

    I always salute to the person helps the kids by teaching them a new knowledge. Thank you for sharing!

    Paolo | http://www.prlakwatsero.com

    Reply
  13. Veeyah says

    March 10, 2016 at 02:16

    Empowered, inspiring, and caring women are always the best types. I’m glad Meera acted on her findings that she could be of help to a lot more people than those in her immediate surroundings. Communication plays an important role in whatever situation/society we’re in.

    Reply
  14. TweenselMom says

    March 10, 2016 at 03:57

    I idolize women who make a difference, who goes out of their comfort zones without expecting anything in return. Let’s celebrate these women and challenge ourselves to be like them even in simple ways.

    Reply
  15. Donna says

    March 10, 2016 at 13:15

    Education is the key to success in life and having selfless teachers are blessing to the community!

    Reply
  16. Jean says

    March 11, 2016 at 05:39

    She’s indeed a great model. I salute her for having a compassionate heart in helping others.

    Reply
  17. amarnath says

    January 8, 2017 at 15:38

    Your intention is extraordinary keep it up you can think of doing in our area also no doubt it is interesting

    Reply

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