As I sat on the plush animal-print velvet sofa in the airy living room of the Birla House, only one word came to mind... class! Not one of those newly done over-the-top billionaire homes, this time-honoured mansion brims over with sophistication. Not surprising then that the lady of the house isn't much different.
Avanti Birla came in for our tête-à-tête a few moments later, wearing a casual black kurta and trousers sans make-up, looking nothing like the Page 3 socialite I knew. This woman sure can don many an avatar!
Wife of an industrialist, mother of three, dynamic entrepreneur, glam socialite and more importantly, philanthropist -- Avanti juggles every role with equal panache!
Recently, she has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, an organisation that creates affordable housing for marginalised groups. Avanti is the brand ambassador for their initiative, Women IndiaBUILDS.
"My passion is women and children."
I was so taken in when Sheila Kripalani, an old family friend and Chairperson of the project approached me with the concept. The idea of giving the home to the woman instantly appealed to me.
Women are ill-treated in the rural areas and taken advantage of. So I thought giving her a home would just empower her with strength and ownership and give her a sense of belonging. She would have something to call her own, something to fall back on.
"It gives me a sense of achievement."
I have contributed to this initiative by creating awareness and raising funds. I talk about the project to everyone - in and out of my social circle.
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Last year, I hosted a lunch at my home where we called about 150 women and showed them a film on the project. The outcome was fantastic. We managed to garner a lot of support, even from international banks.
This is a great social responsiblity for me. And more than anything else, when you see the joy on these women's faces, you know you have made their dream come true and that gives me immense fulfillment!
"A home is security."
The great thing about Women IndiaBUILDS is that we don't give away free homes. We pick women who can pay back about one-third the total cost of the home. These women pay back in the form of sweat equity ie 150 to 200 hours of physical labour, in kind ie by bringing in building materials as well as in cash.
They put their savings and sweat in building these homes and that makes it even more valuable to them.
Find out more about Women IndiaBUILDS here.
Avanti's dedication to the upliftment of women goes beyond Women IndiaBUILDS.
"Financial independence is a must."
Women must be economically self-sufficient. They must have something to fall back on in case something untoward happens. Whether it is a small side-business or a skill they develop, they must have a means to support themselves.
My husband and I travel very often to Rishikesh. On one of our trips, I got involved with an NGO in Uttaranchal that helps revive traditional village handicrafts. There are lots of really skilled women in the rural areas. Some make cards of dried flowers, some make herbal juices without preservatives. We help create awareness about these products and market them. There is a great market for these organic products in urban areas. So it earns them good money.
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"Women are a powerful Devi Shakti!"
I think if we set our minds to something, nothing can stop us. We have this powerful shakti (strength) that God has given us and all we have to do is tap into it.
"We are equal to any man."
We are able to juggle so many roles with ease. Whether it's being a mother, a sister, a careerwoman, we know how to do the balancing act and give our 100 per cent to every role.
In fact, it is such a misconception that women are the weaker sex and not as efficient in the corporate world. If I were heading an organisation, I wouldn't think twice about hiring a woman for a particular position. I relate better with women. They understand what you mean instantly, without long drawn-out explanations and jargon.
"We need to learn to take time out."
As good as we are at balancing different roles, we need to just take some time off to be with ourselves. I like to unwind by reading a book, listening to a soothing bhajan or just being by myself, not doing anything at all.
If there's one thing I want to give myself this Women's Day, it's time out! I would like to spend 10 days in an ashram by myself, just contemplating life.
It's so important to take time to think about where you are at and where you are headed. For me, it is a soul searching experience that helps me find my true purpose in life. It makes me realise that we have only one life to live and we cannot waste it. That's what awakened this sense of social responsibility in me.
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