Mimi Das, a new age social entrepreneur shares her social entrepreneurial journey with Woman Times and is a promising a social activist of the state.
WT: Tell us about your journey from being a girl to a complete woman.
MD: I started my journey of social activism in 2009 when my son was born and I resigned from my job. It was the deplorable sight of children who were loitering in the streets and being a mother I was quite moved. On 14th November 2009, I decided to help 80 street children by providing bags and books. Thus began the journey and on the first birthday of my son I visited a home for children to celebrate my son’s birthday with them; this continues even today without a break every year. Now, I am connected with Divine Foundation, Amitabh Bachchan Fund Association and Bondhu Ek Asha.
WT: How much have your family supported you?
MD: I have received overwhelming support from my family, husband and my son both financially and mentally. Without their support, the journey would have been impossible.
WT: Not every woman can establish their own standards and help others. How do you see this?
MD: I think every woman should try convincing their family by taking to their activity place. Doing a job is not a mandatory option; a woman can do anything that her conscience permits of.
WT: You have maintained yourself so well, how do you do it?
MD: It is nothing like that, just a stroke of kajal and lipstick do it all. Other than that your heart, it is pure, gets reflected on your face. A woman is complete when she can well balance her work, family and her wishes. All she needs is management tactics.
WT: What are your political affiliations?
MD: (with a smile) I am socially political and politically social. I am a big fan of Mamata Banerjee from 1997. It was a day of my exam and while I was passing by a missile where Mamata Banerjee was giving a speech I was dumbstruck listening to her and bunking my exam. A woman so powerful and dedicated has been a source of inspiration for me.
WT: Do you want to contest elections in the future?
MD: I have never thought of this but yes if an opportunity comes I shall think of it. But as of now, I do not want any post as I am not able to give my full dedication to the party. Moreover, I believe that posts do not define the responsibilities rather they restrict I can be outside the mainstream and still be working for my party.
I am socially political and politically social.
WT: You are associated with so many organisations and projects, tell us as a woman how you feel?
MD: As I am a woman definitely there are certain sacrifices or adjustments I had to do but I never regret and I always did that sportingly. It is not just about being a woman everyone in their life needs to do some kind of adjustments in order to be happy and keep others happy. I cook for my husband and son quite early in the morning, but again at times when at night I am late I bring food for them or my husband does the job. Life is all about mutual understanding and adjustments.
WT: …and your family life?
MD: I met my husband at the Police station, he is a police officer, while I used that route to my college and we fell in love. My family though consists of my husband and son but the world is my home where the children need me.
WT: Mothers are concerned about their children, how did you manage to care for all these children?
MD: I believed that if I can feed 10 children my son will be automatically fed. In fact, my son has developed a habit of sharing. I took him with me everywhere and now whenever we purchase something he asks for the same stuff for the home children. Children learn from their parents hence we must teach the basics in childhood.
WT: What is religion and success to you?
MD: Success is when you can look at the mirror and smile with the satisfaction of being mentally successful as connotatively materially one can never be satisfied. Once you have more you crave more. And religion is humanity. I do not visit temples often but visiting the home or a distressed person is a religion to me. Serving humanity is serving God.
Children learn from their parents hence we must teach the basics at the childhood.
WT: What are your future plans?
MD: If I am financially strong someday I want to build a modern old age home. Children who disown their parents will stay at this home. I want to stay with many parents and enjoy life.
WT: Your message to women –
MD: Know your rights and raise your voice against immoral things. As I am a member of We for We – Global Campaign for Women Empowerment I urge all women to know their rights and stand for themselves.
