3. Shila Ghosh, who is still working at the age of 87
Most people retire and live a comfortable life by
the age of 60 or 65. But Shila is one woman who,
even at the age of 87, works tirelessly, trying to
make ends meet for her grandchildren and
herself. After her only son died, she took custody
of her grandchildren. She refused to beg and
instead, started selling potato fries in Kolkata, two
hours away from where she lives. In spite of being
so old, she believes she's healthy enough to
provide and work for her family.
Pratima Devi, a foster mother to 300 stray
dogs
Despite being a humble rag picker, Pratima
Devi has a giant heart. Living and working
out of one of the busiest markets in Delhi,
Devi fosters over 300 stray dogs. She refers
to them as her kids and makes sure none
of them go hungry. To applaud her great
work, she has been awarded the Godfrey
Philips Bravery Award For Social Bravery.
4. Mala Srikanth, an ex Doctor who runs a knitting
factory
Life has been anything but kind to her. Her entire life
has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. After getting
divorced and meeting with a serious, life altering
accident, Dr. Mala returned to India from Oman. She
gave up her practice and started a small knitting
factory in her hometown, Ranikhet, for the betterment
of her people. This act has not only helped her cope
with her own personal turmoil, but has also
helped people in Ranikhet learn a new skill and make
it a part of their livelihood.
Priti Patkar, a social worker bringing hope
to the red light areas of Mumbai
Priti, a housewife, started a NGO that has
done pioneering social work in the red light
areas of Mumbai. Priti actually has started
the world’s first night care center for
children of women working in red light
districts.
5. For long a fighter for justice Nauroti who was born
in a poor Dalit family in Rajasthan’s Kishangarh
district is now the sarpanch of Hardma village, a
land that has bred freedom fighters during India’s
struggle for Independence. Starting with the fight
for proper wages when she was working as a stone
cutter, her ascend to become a living symbol of
women’s power is nothing short of astounding.
Lijjat is a highly popular pappad brand in
India. While many may remember the buck
toothed bunny that appeared in their TV
commercials, many may not be aware of
the fact that it’s the power of rural women
and their self-employment initiative, ‘Shri
Mahila Griha Udyog’ which made the
brand possible. Started with a loan of just
Rs. 80, today the co-operative has annual
sales of more than Rs.3.1 billion.
