For the 14 children at Mathru Foundation, the Diwali festivities have begun with a grand celebration. Invited by Governor H R Bhardwaj personally to explore the Raj Bhavan gardens and spend some time with him, these children suffering from various disabilities, were quite over the moon. Also gracing the event was the veteran cricketer and long time supporter of Mathru Foundation, Syed Kirmani. “I’ve known Malathi (founder of Mathru Foundation) for more than 15 years. Since then, I’ve been observing her struggles which has touched my life quite deeply. I’ve visited these children at their quarters and it’s not an easy life. I hope the foundation is successful in building their new quarters very soon and they will have my full support as well,” says Kirmani.
The event kicked off by an opening speech from Kirmani and then moved on to the Governor who spoke about the need for the youth of this country as well as the various luminaries in every field to come forward and help the country grow. “There are two major issues that is being faced by our country now. First, a disintegrated society that needs to be brought together. When I came to Karnataka, there was chaos. As Governor, I couldn’t sit idle and thus decided to do something about it. There is a poem by Tagore that I repeat to myself everyday, Ekla chalo (‘walk alone’). It is our personal duty to see what we can do in our own capacity. There is total peace in Karnataka now. Now we need to focus on bringing about progress in the state and that is the modern generation’s responsibility. I promise today that whatever Malathi decides to do, I will support her wholeheartedly,” said the Governor.
Malathi K Holla, an international para athlete, who is now working with Syndicate Bank, and is the founder of Mathru Foundation said,”It gives me immense joy and energy to take care of these children. Mathru Foundation is not an one-woman show, it’s a collective effort. Krishna Reddy (para athlete), the co-founder and I act as parents to these children. Whatever we’ve learnt and got from our society, we’re just giving back now. We’re not doing anything extraordinary here, merely fulfilling our duty,” says Malathi K Holla.
The children from Mathru Foundation, each presented a rose to the Governor, while some of them rushed to get his autograph. The children presently live at quarters provided by HAL and look forward to moving into the new home, as soon as it is constructed. “My focus will now be to finish building the foundation quarters. I have 14 children with me. I hope that in five years, I’ll have over hundred children. It’s also my dream to take care of girl children through my foundation,” adds Malathi.
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