“We believe in hand-to-mouth existence”

Sharadha Devi, a banker, who runs a home for orphan and destitute children in Kanchipuram district received ‘The Weekend Leader – VIT Unsung Hero of Tamil Nadu Award’ at a function held recently at VIT University, Vellore.

Started in 2007, Naatrangal Children’s Home is dependent on voluntary donations of well-wishers and the generosity of Sharadha.

Sharadha Devi addressing the students of VIT Business School after receiving The Weekend Leader - VIT Unsung Hero of Tamil Award (Photos: H K Rajashekar)

“We believe in a hand-to-mouth existence; anything in excess (in the kitty) may be an invitation to the vested interests. When there is shortage of funds, I put in my own money and get it reimbursed later,” she said, addressing the students of VIT Business School after receiving the award from Prof. Kalyani Rangarajan, Dean, VIT Business School

Sharadha’s story was featured in The Weekend Leader in the Unsung Heroes of Tamil Nadu series.

Narrating her experiences as a social worker, Sharadha expressed surprise at how her work caught the attention of The Weekend Leader and thanked the magazine for recognizing the services of people like her.

Dr. Kalayani Rangarajan, Dean, VIT Business School, presenting The Weekend Leader - VIT Unsung Hero of Tamil Nadu Award to Sharadha Devi. Also seen is P C Vinoj Kumar, Editor, The Weekend Leader

During an interactive session with the students, moderated by The Weekend Leader Editor, P C Vinoj Kumar, she said her long term plan was to enter politics to serve the community.

Sharadha was accompanied to the function by her father B Jayaseelan, brother J Kannan, daughters Chinthamani, Ponmani, and V S Shanmugam, the warden at Naatrangal. – TWL Bureau