Ms. Sharmila G.

She is part of the management committee at Raheja Classique 5. She, along with fellow members, has played an integral role in waste management at her society. From our experience, Ms. Sharmila has a knack for getting things done. It is a very useful skill to have, especially in a situation when there are a lot of opinions but no takers for responsibility.

 

GCF Team:

Tell us about yourself

Ms. S

I am from Jamshedpur and I came to Bombay 31 years ago after an early marriage . I received a lot of support from my husband that enabled me to do a lot of things. I had my daughter in 1991 and my immediate family is in Bombay.

I have completed my Bachelors from Calcutta and before that was in a boarding school in Ranchi. I have a very close group of friends, especially from boarding school. My time in boarding school is something I deeply cherish and learned so much from there.

I enjoyed worked at the Economic and Political weekly for 3 years and quit thereafter. I began conducting classes from home and realised that my passion is in teaching. I completed my Early Childhood Education and had a successful and pleasant 16 years in this field. I worked with children aged 4-12 on speech, IQ, grooming and so on. I loved working with the kids and had developed the skills to see great outcomes. I left this field 4 years ago and I am now retired focusing some of my time in social work and my society.

 

GCF Team:

Have you ever noticed the issue of waste in your career or personal life?

Ms. S

Yes, 12 years ago a couple of my friends and I noticed how much Mumbai had changed. It was getting dirtier, there was trash lying everywhere and it didn’t feel the way it used to. So we started segregating just wet and dry in our own homes.

 

GCF Team:

Do you think different generations have different perspectives about waste management?

Ms. S

The younger generation i.e. the school and college going kids are very aware of this issue. The internet and changing education systems have had a big part to play in this which through the kids is spreading to the rest of the society and community. Schools and teachers play a vital role in educating our children the right way. If you would notice even the use of crackers has gone down tremendously because of what kids are being taught in school and around them.

 

GCF Team:

Do different generations have different patterns of consumption?

Ms.S

There has been a magnificent change in lifestyle. The generation now has access to much more dry waste which is great in terms of convenience and a fast lifestyle. However, it is also producing massive amounts of waste which we need to deal with. Especially the companies that are responsible for producing packing material and products should also be responsible in disposing it off correctly.

 

GCF Team:

Projects or anything you have taken up other than career?

Ms. S

I joined the management committee 5 years ago in Raheja Classique where Mr. Shah, Mr. Mittal and I shared common thoughts about the issue of lack of waste management. The committee decided to go ahead with the project and start segregation in each house and this was of course much before the BMC came out with their notices and deadlines. We started with 2 bins and then slowly but consciously moved towards 3 way segregation.

Along with this we also worked on fire safety for the society and conduct regular mock drills.

 

GCF Team:

Are there any certain social causes or issues you strongly believe in or stand for?

Ms. S

I have always tried to contribute in certain ways. I have interacted with domestic help and have helped them to read and write and also helped their kids in studies. I make them aware of government schemes they could benefit from and also give them career guidance.

I strongly believe that everyone deserves basic necessities of life and an education. I also believe that we should respect senior citizens, help them out and give them the priority they deserve.

 

GCF Team:

Can you comment on your habits?

Ms. S

My husband and I are into gardening and we have our own kitchen garden. We enjoy spending our mornings on our patch for plants, flowers and herbs. I HAVE to read the newspaper daily. Additionally, for the past year I have been composting pooja flowers in a mud pot.

 

GCF Team:

Any routine or habit you do everyday and chose it for a specific reason?

Ms. S

I get up early, bathe and then do my pooja and rituals. It gives me a peaceful and positive start to the day! I also maintain my health with a basic routine of exercises.

 

GCF Team:

Do you consider yourself organised, if yes how do you consider yourself organized?

Ms. S

I prefer to do things at a scheduled time and whatever needs to be done, should be done in an organized manner.

 

GCF Team:

Do you read and would want to recommend any book?

Ms. S

I do read. I need to read the newspaper every single day and I am not that into TV. I prefer light books and even Bengali books. I recently read a book on the Taliban called ‘The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth’. I also like solving simple Sudoku puzzles.

 

GCF Team:

What would your friends or partner describe you?

Ms S.

They would describe me as organised, adaptable, social, friendly and cosmopolitan. I have some very typical traits of a Sagittarius making me straight forward and bubbly.

 

GCF Team:

If you have a platform to send a short message to 1 mil people?

Ms. S

Be yourself! Do not emulate because happiness lies within.

 

GCF Team:

Is there anything you purchased Rs1000 or below that impacted your life?

Ms. S

A book called 30 Day Word Power was a great investment for me which made me feel good and up to date. I have recommended it to many people as well.