Some people believe in giving money to charities. Some others, like Banumathi Subramaniam for instance, believe in offering their time. This senior citizen contribute to society in small ways, most significantly by giving her time to social causes.
Banumathi’s interest in social service stemmed from a for animals. She would rescue stray dogs and cats, feed birds and squirrels. “I received so much unconditional love in return. It showed what helping others could mean,” she says.
She got started by joining the Saidapet Ladies Club, followed by a membership in the Tambaram Ladies Club. Here, she was exposed to the sufferings of people. She chose cancer, TB and AIDS as her line of service. “Creating awareness about these diseases is my agenda. I visit schools, colleges and institutions and give talks on their prevention and treatment,” says Banumathi, who gathered the knowledge about the subjects through her voluntary service at Cancer Institute and at certain voluntary organisations.
She has also signed up with Penn Nelam and RMD Trust for creating awareness on cancer among women. “I don’t believe in just giving talks. It want to grab the attention of people. I use songs, street theatre and visual aids to drive home the message,” she adds.
She also offers free counselling to cancer patients and their families. She is a resident of Kodambakkam.
