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Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: "Let our talents and academic achievements be useful to this nation and society," said Ashwini Angadi, the visually impaired national facilitator with 'Young Voices' and recepient of UN Special Envoy for Gordon Brown Youth Achiever’s Award.

She was addressing a motivational interactive programme with students organized by Yuva Brigade at TV Ramana Pai hall here on Saturday March 14.

Recalling the words of Swami Vivekananda, Angadi said, "Sacrifice and service to society can make one happy forever."

25-year-old girl Ashwini Angadi, who was born visually impaired, recalling her past said, "I was born in a joint family at Chellagurki village in Ballari. Though my family was disappointed about my visual impairment, I was later admitted to Ramana Maharishi School for the Blind during our days of poverty."

Explaining her plight when she was severely ill during SSLC examination, she said she wrote the exams with the help of her friend Nayana. "Later I studied PUC at NMKRV College for Women where I had to travel 50 km from home without anyone's assistance. I completed BA at the Maharani’s College of Arts and Commerce," she said.

"I gave up HR job after doing some introspection and because I felt the need to serve the society. I am now leading Young Voices, a project by the UK-based Leonard Cheshire Disability in India. I have travelled to Ranchi, Delhi and Mumbai without taking assistance from anyone," she said.

She also said that she shared the dais at the UN with child rights activist Malala Yousafzai, former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon. "I felt overwhelmed when Malala said it should be called 'Ashwini Day' instead of 'Malala Day'," she said.

She further added, "Ban Ki-Moon greeted with a Namaste but we being Indians hesitate to do so."

M N Rajendra Kumar, president of SCDCC Bank said, "This is a special and important programme for the youth. An individual should live for others instead of for self. People in the country are not working hard enough, which is hindering the progress of the country. Youth should have an aim, with right aim and confidence one can achieve success."

Later, interacting with students and answering their questions, she said, "My country taught me how to face challenges, which has in turn brought me recognition globally." She also stressed that women should give importance to dressing in Indian attires.

Chakravarthi Sulibele presented a short introductory note about Ashwini Angadi.