She did not go around the city putting up posters of her charity work or print pamphlets about her organisation. She silently helped thousands to get their right.
And after 15 long years, Latha Sukumar's service has finally been recognised. Last month, she was awarded the Rashtriya Ratna for her undying spirit in fighting injustice. It all started when Latha, a shy, newly-wed bride, solved a domestic dispute in her locality.
"I was staying in a small locality in Bapuji Nagar where such fights used to break out often. Even though these were not my fights, I felt it was my duty to step in and ease the conflict," she says. She continues with that mission even today. "It is injustice that I cant tolerate," she adds.
Latha has also been working towards getting pensions for the aged, handicapped and widowed. "I think I have helped procure pension for around 2,000 people till now," she says.
She doesn't come across as a social worker or an activist. Clad in a simple cotton saree, Latha is like any other housewife, who loves her husband and dotes on her children.
But being born in a middle-class family, Latha says she knows the struggles of the poor and the handicapped.
"The main problem in our country is that people don't come forward to help. If a fight breaks out, people stand and watch. I want to make every small issue my own," she says.
But social work comes at a price. Being a woman, Latha has been threatened a couple of times. She has continued her battles regardless.
After so many years, she feels that a lot is yet to be done. Top on her agenda is opening a house for old women where they will be provided for.
She wants to give them a life of respect. Latha has also opened an organisation in Chikkamavalli where anyone can walk in with their problems and this iron lady will make it her own.