“During my childhood, whenever I saw a homeless person begging on the roads, I used to tell myself that I will do my bit for the betterment of society when I grew up.

I was born and brought up in Sri Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. My father always encouraged me in my career pursuits and he was my first inspiration in life toward social service. After my marriage, I moved to Hyderabad from my hometown.

When I learned embroidery and tailoring in the city as part of a skill development program, I started teaching the same to more women in my colony to help them. In 2015, I started my NGO, Sri Sai Shanti Sahaya Seva Samithi, in an attempt to better the lives of the needy. Ever since we have been actively involved in various social initiatives by supporting low-income students to study. I have been extensively working for women’s rights and their education along with our volunteers. Ever since I started my service, I have been working relentlessly with the government and other welfare activists in bringing an end to female foeticides across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

We also provide free food services and facilities to the needy. We are also working closely with the public sector in providing free training workshops for women such as tailoring, and fundamental computer skills.

I have also been involved in performing the last rights for unclaimed dead bodies for over seven years now after meeting M Srinivas, who works at the government hospitals to perform last rites for unclaimed bodies. Initially, I did face severe criticism for doing such activities, being a woman, but I believed in the noble cause and went ahead. I must thank my family members and friends who stood behind me throughout.

Looking back, I am glad that I have been able to make a difference in society and I wish to work relentlessly for the rights of women and their progress in society.”