#ChangemakerSpeak: Sona Kumar

Mrs Sona Kumar

Mrs Sona Kumar set up Sona Sarovar Trust in 2007 after she retired from her post at Reserve Bank of India. Her story is inspiring. The Trust is primarily focused on extra-curricular activities and tuition for children from the Anand Nagar Slum, Mumbai - although it has also been instrumental in initiating clean-up drives, providing medical care and livelihoods. In addition, Sona Sarovar Trust is certified with the platinum seal for transparency by GuideStar India. #GivingTuesdayIndia catches up with her as part of its change-maker interview series.

What inspired you to set up Sona Sarovar Trust? Why is the cause so close to your heart?After leaving my job with Reserve Bank of India as an officer, I started volunteering with SHARE NGO. It cured me of my depression. After they moved away, I again felt a void in my life. I gathered the courage & set up my own Trust. When I see healthier slum children improving their scores in class I feel satisfied. The happiness that I get is beyond any description.

Can you recall an act of giving that you did/experienced or witnessed that changed your life? Do tell us about it.

a) My friend's maid had a crippled 22-year-old daughter, with polio in both legs. She had to be carried everywhere. We got her admitted to Nanavati Hospital. I can't forget the sight when she walked out of the hospital on her feet, with the help of crutches. Seeing her smile of gratitude, brought tears to my eyes. We gave her a sewing machine. She learnt how to tailor, and is now able to provide for her family and share expenses.

Maykannan Perumal Harijan 

b) 7-year-old Maykannan Perumal Harijan was born handicapped. He had only one arm. In January 2018, we started working for ragpicker's children and noticed his missing arm. We spoke to his parents who said that they couldn't get a disability certificate for him as there had been no accident case they could use as proof, and when Maykannan was born, the hospital did not mention he was born without an arm. With a little bit of research, we managed to trace the hospital and called them to issue the certificate. Finally, Maykannan’s parents were able to secure a disability certificate for him, which gave him a few privileges. We also got him an artificial arm with a motor. His innocent smile after wearing the arm lit up our lives.

Is there somebody (living or dead) whose giving/philanthropy you admire? Why?

I admire Mother Teresa for what she did single-handedly for leprosy patients, whom their own relatives had disowned.

Do you have a motto or mantra, or even a quote that you live by?

Numbers don't count for me. Even if I can change one life, it means a great deal to me. I live by this belief.

In a perfect world, what dream do you want Sona Sarovar Trust to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

I dream that these slum children are able to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty, illiteracy and illness, and that they are educated, and lead wealthier, healthier and happier lives.

Children of Anand Nagar Slum, Mumbai