“I lost my parents at a very young age, but my grandfather stepped in and became my caretaker. He was my rock, and I felt safe and loved under his care. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was in the 10th grade, leaving me with a gaping hole in my heart.

My grandfather had arranged for my marriage at the age of 16, and I hoped that it would bring some stability and happiness into my life. But my hopes were short-lived, as my marriage was tumultuous.

At the age of 21, I finally found the courage to leave my husband and start a new life. It was a difficult decision, but I knew that it was the right one for me. I had to start from scratch to build a life for myself. I moved to Chennai and found shelter in a charitable trust, where I slowly started working in a Tele Buy company and then as a product trainer and then worked in an event management company for around 2 years.

When the pandemic hit, I knew that I had to do my part to help those in need. I volunteered at Govt. Kilpauk medical college and hospital worked on data entries and later joined as a contract staff member. I took a vow to assert my rights by lodging complaints about civic woes on the roads by traversing the streets of Chennai, be it an open pothole, a broken street light or an overflowing garbage bin at the centre of the road. I don’t just simply raise complaints I keep chasing them to close with innumerable follow-ups that were mandatory. My dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and I was awarded the State Youth Award for best volunteering during the Pandemic period on behalf of the Chennai District from Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

Despite all the challenges I have faced, I have never lost my compassion for others. I did all that I can and still doing in regard to keeping my surrounding neat, clean and healthy. I am now an entrepreneur, and my store, Dhayaa’S organic product business in Mayiladudhurai & Chennai is thriving.

In addition to my work as a Volunteer, I am also passionate about promoting organic and healthy food in remote villages. I believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right, and I am working hard to educate people on the importance of organic farming and sustainable food practices.

My journey has not been an easy one, but I refuse to let my circumstances define me. I am determined to overcome every obstacle that comes my way, and I am eager to give a shoulder to ordinary people and will continue to do so forever.”