When we invited readers to tell us what makes them interesting, the response was overwhelming. It looks like the city is brimming with people with a plethora of interests. Here’s Swarnalatha J on what life means to her….
Swarnalatha J , A friend of people with special needs
I am a 35 year old homemaker. I founded the Royal Sheraton Cycling Club, which promotes cycling and healthy lifestyle among its members.
I hold a Masters degree in Hindi Literature and a Diploma in Computer Science. I can read, write and speak six languages and know bits and pieces of another six languages! I have done many documentary and Employee handbook translations from Hindi to English and vice versa. I enjoy singing both filmy and non-filmy songs in Hindi and Kannada. My various hobbies include playing the harmonium and keyboard, candle making, vegetable carving, creating wealth-out-of-waste, etc. I hold workshops for children in these crafts. I also do pencil portrait sketching and painting.
I believe my strength lies in my ability to plan, co-ordinate and manage events. I swim, meditate and do yoga every day. I am currently setting up a support group for patients for Multiple Sclerosis of India, Chennai Chapter. I visit the AMAZE charitable foundation to teach children affected with Autism. I would like to share a message with my friends with special needs: “Disability exists in the body and not in the mind. You are unique and you have no photocopy of you and God loves you. Focus on things that you can still do and forget your pain and suffering. Happiness is a matter of the mind, not body. Everybody in the world has an equal right to live. Do not give up your dreams just because you are physically challenged”.
We will feature the best of the entries in The Hindu MetroPlus. If you haven’t sent in your entry, what are you waiting for? Just shoot off a mail to metroplus.cbe@gmail.com with a note about yourself and a photograph.
