THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a child, Aswathy waited hours for her mother, a maid, to return home with food. “She used to bring me leftovers from the homes she worked in. I understood the economic divide between the rich and poor from my childhood. The Jwala Foundation emerged from my bitter experiences in life,” she said.
Today, the Foundation delivers food packets to the needy at Thiruvananthapuram. “I want to make Kerala a hunger-free state,” said Aswathy.
She has also come up with a new project. “It’s a shelter for grandparents, who are thrown out of their homes,” she said.
The Foundation purchased 26 cents of land at Poonkulam, and plans to give employment to 100 differently-abled individuals, while protecting elderly people from social exclusion and exploitation.
The organisation is also sponsoring 18 small shops to support economically-weaker families. “We have requested the PWD minister’s help for the smooth functioning of the shops,” Aswathy said.
Interestingly, Aswathy did try her hand at politics, but says that it is not her cup of tea. “In the last Assembly elections all the major parties approached me to contest as their candidate, but I refused,” she said.
She says that the youth must become a part of mainstream society. “India needs new leaders, who can shoulder the responsibilities and participate in the nation-building process,” she says.
Incidentally, the foundation has a free Android software facility Jwala Saathi. You can call their toll free number 1800 425 1098 for emergency help.