KOCHI: She is a woman of resolve who makes a difference in whatever she does. Letha Sushil, wife of Vice-Admiral K N Sushil and the president of Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), has a lot of responsibilities.
But she says she enjoys every bit of it.
As we make a visit to the NWWA centre at the Naval Base, Letha was attending the monthly meeting with the rest of the members, charting out the activities for the month. It was a busy day for her as she was hosting a few dignitaries at her house as well.
“NWWA (Kochi) is running 16 major activities. And each is managed by the respective coordinator and her sub-committee,” says Letha who was a teacher all these years. She did BEd after her marriage and loved her job. Her present role as the president of NWWA demands her involvement in all the matters ranging from health and education to counselling and social welfare of Navy wives. Her colleagues at NWWA say Letha is the most approachable president that NWWA has ever had. “She is a people’s person. That could be the reason why many Navy wives approach her with their personal problems as well.”
Letha smiles and says, “Most of the Navy wives come from far away places. They are away from their parents and loved ones and they feel lonely at times. Sometimes their husbands are sailing for days together and these wives have to be on their own. They need someone whom they can confide in.”
Apart from counselling and giving advice regarding domestic and service issues, Letha tries her best to make Navy wives aware of the possibilities in today’s world that would go a long way in women empowerment. “Some of them are highly qualified. You will find doctors, engineers and many other professionals among Navy wives. We try to make an avenue for these women to put their skills to effective use,” says Letha.
Women who are interested in stitching and crafts are given orders through NWWA which will fetch them an income. The educational arm of NWWA runs the play school Little Angels in different parts of the city. As part of the Balpatshala programme they are running a KG school for the children of poor families and prepare them for admission to the local schools.
NWWA’s 10-month programme in adult literacy, in association with the Jamia Islamia University, is a step towards women empowerment.
“NWWA’s health initiatives come under Arogya,” says Letha who visits paediatric and family wards regularly with the other members. Free medical camps, gifts to
newborns and annual healthy baby shows are all part of the Arogya programme. “For the artistically inclined, we give a platform to teach and learn classical dance and even yoga and aerobics,” says Letha. Those who have lost their husbands are not left behind. NWWA is giving support and financial aid to them. “We organise annual get-togethers to make them feel they are still a part of the big family,” says Letha who is taking a special interest in the welfare of physically challenged children. As part of Sankalp programme, NWWA is providing special education, brain gym exercises, physiotherapy, speech therapy, dance and music classes and periodic medical check-ups to special children. Letha is planning to shift the school from the old building to the NWWA centre where these children will get
a lot of space, sufficient care and support.
“We are encouraging women to develop their hobbies like glass and fabric painting, candle making, soft toys and jewellery making, hand embroidery and tie and dye,” explains Letha.
NWWA has extended their welfare activities outside the Navy too. And Letha is taking interest in these programmes involving charitable
organisations.
“At least once a month NWWA is making an effort to contribute food, clothing and funds to orphanages and old age homes.” NWWA is organising a lot of fun and entertainment programmes as well. “As part of Tarangini we organise cultural programmes and encourage women to display their talent in music, dance and drama. In Ashirwad, we organise get-togethers and outings for senior citizens. We also help the retired members of the Naval fraternity keep in touch with each other and renew their bond with the Navy a lunch is organised in their honour at the Navy house.”
Despite her busy schedule, Letha has recently developed an interest in golf. As one of her colleagues, an avid golfer, puts it, “She is a quick learner. In about six months she has started playing a very proficient game. This is not a small achievement in view of the intricacies of the game.”
Letha jokingly says she can’t help it because the golf course is right in front of her house. “So I make the most of it,” says Letha who has a lot of plans chalked out for NWWA in the days to come. We hope to hear more about her welfare activities in the future.
manuvipin@expressbuzz.com
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