#ChangemakerSpeak: Mrinalini Kher

Mrinalini Kher

Mrinalini Kher is the Hon. Secretary of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association, and has been for the past 30 years. She and her husband established 'Yuva Parivartan' to provide transformative vocational training for youth in the community they serve. Read on to find out more.

1) What was the inspiration behind Kherwadi Social Welfare Association?

The Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSWA) was founded by Late Shri Balasaheb Kher in 1928, to help the women and children living in miserable conditions in the marshes of Bandra East. He had established a credibility amongst the community and his work and contribution is still respected. 

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

I am the Hon. Secretary of the organization for the past 30 years. And together with my husband Kishor Kher – grandson of the late founder, we founded ‘Yuva Parivartan’ – a skills training programme for semi-literate youth to transform their livelihood prospects.

The earliest experience was an eye opener. Adult literacy classes were being held all over the community. Learning the 3R’s encouraged the women and girls to learn vocational skills. When young women became auxiliary nurses and beauticians it was the most satisfying experience. Realising the latent potential in illiterate women and girls, encouraged us to find our calling of Yuva Parivartan.

'Yuva Parivartan'. Skills training for young girls in the community.

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

Warren Buffet and Amit Chandra, who have given selflessly for the benefit of stakeholders only. 

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

Everyone deserves a ‘second chance’. The fortunate like me should reach out to people whether rich or poor and offer our strengths.

5) In a perfect world, what dream do you want Kherwadi Social Welfare Association to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

KSWA has the capacity to deliver more than it does. Our strengths need to be shared and hence our model of skilling youth should be replicated by small and medium size agencies. KSWA should be in the role of researcher, developer and leader to promote ‘skilling for all’. A complete national presence is the aim and dream.