Emulating Mother Teresa

Manaswi, 13, Social Ambassador at Indian Development Foundation, talks about how she manages studies and social service. "People should treat TB?and leprosy patients as normal human beings," she says

victor rao

P Manaswi, a Social Ambassador at Indian Development Foundation, (IDF), at a tender age, has taken a leaf out of the books and teachings of Mother Teresa and incorporated those teachings in her life. The quote of Mother Teresa, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples," clearly explains the little girl's grit and gumption without a glitch. Manaswi helps in resource mobilisation as best as she can and brings persons or groups who can help this mission. A social ambassador is a goodwill ambassador.

"Spreading awareness on tuberculosis and leprosy is one of my main objectives and as a social ambassador. I promote IDF ideology," says the young social ambassador with pride in her statement. She further adds, "Fear, ignorance and poverty and superstitious beliefs have all made leprosy patients outcast in the society. Many wrongly believe this is a communicable disease. We should not isolate leprosy patients; we should accept them in our family and community."

When asked the reason for doing this service, the young girl says, "There are many reasons for me to take up this mission. I support children education and support to the handicapped and the marginalised children in slums and rural areas which is a priority concern of IDF and we are focusing our efforts in these areas. I am happy to be a part of it. I was also a part of environment awareness campaign held in Kukatpally recently."

The eight grader of St Anthony's High School, Himayatnagar, aspires to take the Civil Services Examination down the road. Talking about how she balancing her studies with social service, she says, "Till now I haven't faced any problem with my studies. It gives me immense contentment when I spare a little time spending with the underprivileged children and orphans who crave for our love and affection. I never celebrate my birthdays at home or any other place; I visit the IDF Bal Gurukuls and play and dance with them."

The young girl has a stirring piece of advice to the society. She says, "We should neither discourage anyone nor take anyone for granted. We might not know how these impoverished, who are living on the breadline, will shape up in the future and win accolades and do miracles."