Tell us about the start of your journey working for a social cause. What spurred it on?
My tryst with social work began in 2009 after meeting renowned environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar on a trek in Sattari. I was troubled with his narrative of the state of Goa’s forests, its threatened wildlife and the urgent need to protect it. It spurred an initiative called Mission Green Goa with my partner in environmental work Arati Das. We set up an e-petition to appeal for a tiger reserve in Madhei
in response to a tiger killing incident reported in Sattari. Many experts helped us put this appeal together with scientific data and a comprehensive proposal to conserve all Goa’s protected forests in Goa. The response was phenomenal. The endorsed petition was sent to the state and central government departments, including the president and Environment minister. Then Union Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, advised the state government to look the possibility of a tiger reserve in Goa. After the ‘success’ of this first attempt, there was no looking back.
What challenges do women face when attempting to resolve social issues?
The prejudice against women usually comes from those close to us. We often face flak that our social work and environmental evangelisation is at the cost of those that love us, our family and friends. Many unnecessary limitations are set while meeting affected individuals in the community, travelling alone, working late hours, etc. Society often suggests that we are media hungry. For young women, the biggest hurdle is permission from parents who often fear that their daughter may be harmed. Their concerns are genuine but fear demotivates and adds an emotional burden which often causes them to lose their drive and commitment for social causes. Sometimes friends too are responsible for discouraging women. The other large setback is that government machinery does not offer the necessary support to curb violations against vulnerable people. Without knowledge of the law, they are often misled and dissuaded from filing an FIR or face flak from political stooges at gram sabhas or protests. I often go to the police with women whose rights have been violated. But there is a difference when women head these offices and become our allies in the fight for social and environmental justice.
How important is your family support in your cause?
My late father was my biggest inspiration and motivation. I feel his invisible arm everywhere I work. My children are my greatest allies. Their active participation, interaction and support eggs me on. I am a member of many social and environmental organisations around the world, each of which is like a family to me. As activists, society and our environment becomes our larger home and family.
What was the toughest challenge you faced so far? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
As a single parent, I had to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother, architect, educator and environmental activist. Raising children with strong values and principles, working with ethics and fulfilling my commitment for environmental and social work has
not been easy. Prayer, trust in God and recognising the many angels around me has been my greatest source of strength. When times were tough, I worked even harder, did not indulge in self pity, embraced humility and never compromised on my values. I believe that women are super time managers. I have found true happiness in community work and time spent in nature with children, parents and elders!
How do you juggle your personal and professional life?
The work I do connects my personal and professional life. It brings value, limitless happiness and a feeling of being complete. I feel energised to do more. I feel a divine presence steering me. The more time I spend in nature and with children, the more positive energies I feel and all work becomes effortless.
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