She was like any other homemaker till she happened to see an advertisement that called for volunteers to assist visually challenged students. Ms Padmavathy Anand resigned the Central government job to take care of her two children.
But after a few years when the kids were able to manage their own, Padmavathy decided to do her bit to society and volunteered as a scribe and a reader for visually impaired students.
“I joined Prerana Helpline Foundation that works for the visually challenged students. It has been eight years now and all the students have become my good friends.
There are students who pursue graduation and post graduation courses and I help them by reading out the textbooks.
I also joined the Lions Club for Chennai Golden Roses and started doing various projects for senior citizens and underprivileged students,” says the 45-year-old scribe.
She was instrumental in forming a trust under the Golden Roses to focus specially on girl students of Corporation Schools. “My family was economically weaker and my father was the sole bread winner.
All my three brothers were not able to study but I managed to complete my master’s degree in Hindi literature because of a sponsor.
When I received sponsorships for my studies I decided I’ve to do something for poor students,” adds Padmavathy, who collects money to meet the education needs of poor students.
Apart from reading for visually challenged, Padmavathy also records the lessons. “My main focus is on Prerana as there are a lot of students who want to pursue their higher education but there’s lack of scribes. I make it a point that I take some kind of project daily and work for the uplift of underprivileged people.
As my husband takes care of our family, I fully concentrate on Prerana,” says Padmavathy.
Those interested in volunteering as scribes can contact Padmavathy on 9444287463.