30/06/2022
The Women behind Ira's social entrepreneurship journey ..
#2 Jagruti Kishor Shah
Juggernaut meaning: a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force.
Why Juggernaut? No, not because I couldn't find another adjective with 'J'. Read on to know more about her and I am sure you will agree with my choice of the word.
Jagruti ji is the Treasurer for Swayam Siddha Industrial Co-operative society for the Handicapped Ltd. Though she has been associated with the organisation since 2009, she truly took the reins of running the society from 2018. Since then, she has been instrumental in re-defining the organization seeking donors, employment opportunities, a safe and peaceful shelter for the members, that is differently-abled friendly too.
In addition to the Chembur centre, she began a new centre in Rabale, Navi Mumbai for youth with disability, which has a special instructor as a part of the staff. With her 'Never give up!' attitude, Jagruti ma'am left no stone unturned to secure a venue from MIDC to open this shelter. Through her network, she was able to get the intervention from Pagaria Welfare Foundation who helped her shape the dilapidated warehouse into a safe and hospitable shelter.
Her fight for the society continues as she fights a legal battle with land developers who have scammed the organisation having taken their land for redevelopment. As I interview her to write this piece about her, she tells me, 'Unhe naheen chodoongi! Kuch nahi tho ek tambu gaad kar bait jaaongi!'.
Can you see this smiling old lady take up the form of a Juggernaut in your mind already? Wait, there is more.
Jagruti ma'am's true test of courage came when her prematurely born baby boy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Since then, her life has been a fight after fight of which she is a win-all warrior. She spent all her youth years in therapy after therapy for her son - who, today is an independent young man who works as an accountant. Miracle!? Quoting from Bollywood here, 'Maa ki mamta mein woh shakti hoti hai jo pathar ko bhi pighla sakti hai'.
Only, Jagruti ji's 'Mamta' didn't end with her two children. She is the mother to all the 50+ members of Swayam Siddha, whom she truly considers her own children and continues to work hard for their safety, security and happiness. Her dream is to make them independent and purposeful and strives everyday to achieve that.
Picture abhi baaki hai ..
At the age of 63, she completed her certificate course in Accupuncture and she is now Maharashtra Government certified 'Dr.' of Accupuncture. She attends to and treats her patients in her home cm clinic in Vashi. She is also a Yoga guru.
This Rajkote lady has many more feathers to her cap. She has over the years, worked for many other not-for-profits and service organizations. But as of now, her primary focus is Swayam Siddha for which she has many dreams and aspirations.
Ira Hand Creations shares the same dream as it partners with Swayam Siddha - dignity, purpose and support for all the members.