India is a land of contrasts. One India is on the move creating waves around the world. Another is stuck in the past, unable to break free to realize its full potential. There are some outstanding social entrepreneurs who have left their cushy jobs to help bridge this gap. Ramesh Ramanathan of Janaagraha is one of them who has been much talked about.
Today as 2006 comes to an end, I’ll like to salute another social entrepreneur who has stepped out of a comfy corporate life and has decided to touch and uplift the lives of many. Joy Srinivasan is that person. She has created an organization in Bangalore called Makkala Jagriti, which was started in 2003, and is working towards supporting the holistic development of children from the disadvantaged segments of society. Makkala Jagriti works not only with the children, but also with their parents and teachers to facilitate all-round progress.
I have watched her dedication and passion. I have watched her put her dreams into action and I have seen her grow the organization from supporting a few random children, to now over a hundred; from one learning center in 2005 to now 4; from gathering resources for her endeavors from a few well-meaning friends to now having several organizations supporting her cause; from being a single person with a mission to being a network of partner organizations helping her achieve that mission.
While Makkala Jagriti doesn’t yet have a web-site for you to go to (though I know Joy is now working on it) should any of you want to know more about their activities you can call them at +91 80 22016075 or email them at makkalajagriti [at] dataone.in.
Social entrepreneurship has opportunities unlimited, albeit of another kind. Happy New Year to all of you!
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