Ms. Sheela Karunakaran

She is the secretary of the Acme Elite in Poonam Nagar. She has single handedly led the waste management project and has ensured that her entire society is segregating waste. She is very disciplined person and clear in her thinking and working style.

GCF Team:

Can you start by telling us about yourself?

Ms. S

 I grew up in Coimbatore, my father was a Police Commissioner and my mother was a teacher. I  had environmental studies during my education and I enjoy being in the midst of nature. I had some of my classes under the shade of trees and people were more aware of their surroundings. I also did my graduation from Nirmala College in Natural Sciences, Physics and Chemistry

I wanted to become a pilot and completed about 180 hours of flying, unfortunately my father passed away at this point. I then decided to give up her dream and took up a job as an air hostess with Air India. I worked with them for 37 years and all the travelling gave me a lot of exposure to the world.

My husband has given me strength, cooperation and my space. I have raised my daughter and son as equals, there has been no distinction on the basis of gender. I believe they are like my two eyes, I need both equally to see.

After retirement, I wanted to give back to the society and joined the management committee of Acme Elite as their secretary. I felt that the awareness among people about cleanliness is very shabby. I went for a few meetings with the BMC and found out about the Swachh Bharat Mission, solar energy and rain water harvesting. The way ahead is to go green.

I came across GCF at the Andheri East ALM meeting and was very impressed by them. In a short while we started waste management in the society. We are proud to say that compost from our society has been lent or given to others. On one hand I feel like India is changing for the better.

I am very content and happy with life and I feel it is the time to give back to society.

GCF Team:

Have you thought of or noticed waste management in your life or career before?

Ms. S

I have heard about it before. I went to Tel Aviv about 22 years ago. They had coloured bins but little awareness. I’ve been to other countries where 3 way segregation is followed. Moreover, garbage pickers are highly paid and it is a dignified job.

In India there is a lack of dignity of labour and it is a difficult job. At home I am told that I should not start correcting everybody around me, whether in the society or outside. But I speak up when it is necessary. The same Indians do not litter abroad and overnight their habits change, however they are very lax in India.

I also feel that environmental education should be made mandatory for outsiders in Mumbai, especially daily wage workers, rag pickers, shopkeepers through ALMs and the BMC.

GCF Team:

Do different generations have different perspectives to waste management?

Ms. S

Yes, kids have been educated about this. In a neighbouring society in Kalpataru Estate a workshop on waste management was held for kids. My grandchild stays there and he knows how to segregate waste. The younger generation is smarter, better and will be in a different India.

GCF Team:

Do different generations have different consumption patterns?

Ms. S

 At present, kids are born with a golden spoon in their mouth. They live in the day and don’t really plan for the future. Its a credit society, while we did not spend about our income. Our income was divided into 60% expenditure and 40% savings.  Whereas, kids like to live life to the fullest. There’s a generation gap and this generation likes to eat, drink, make merry and travel.

But I have noticed that today people in general are travelling much more. Whether its middle aged people, bank employees or others. It’s good to gain an awareness and see lifestyles in other countries.

GCF Team:

Have you taken up any projects outside your career?

Ms. S

 Yes, I was part of the Karuna Jyoti scheme. If anyone at the airline was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I would collect money from all employees and deliver cheques to them. I’ve always been a blood donor and would like to be associated with an NGO and give back to society.

GCF Team:

Are there any social issues or causes that you believe in?

Ms. S

I believe in equality for human beings, children should be not be differentiated on the basis of gender.

GCF Team:

Can you comment on a describe some of your habits?

Ms. S

 I walk and go to the gym everyday. I do everything at by hand and do not keep any maids. My husband and I clean the house and it also inculcates these habits in my children. I love dancing. I have a passion for baking, I make cakes, cookies, desserts and bread – I’ve done a basic and intermediate course.

GCF Team:

Any routine or habit that you do daily for a specific reason?

Ms. S

I practice Yoga and meditation every Tuesday and Thursday. I also pray every morning and evening.

GCF Team:

Do you consider yourself organized? If yes, how do you do it?

Ms. S

Yes, through planning. I don’t like a haphazard situation. I make lists for groceries and plan well in advance. I pack three days in advance before a trip. Its been a part since I was a child as I was involved with NCC, girl guides and my mother was a teacher. I like to be organized and do not like being rushed. I am particular about my space and do not like to compromise here.

GCF Team:

Do you read? If yes, if you had to recommend a book which one would you recommend?

Ms. S

I’m not a voracious reader. But I have enjoyed Narayan Murthi’s book – If a book is interesting and logical I can read it. I read the Bhagvad Gita in college. I would recommend the Autobiography of a Yogi by Pramhansa Yogananda . It is similar to The Monk who sold his Ferrari.

GCF Team:

What would your friends or partner describe you as?

Ms. S

I am a tough positive woman. Although very sentimental at the same time.

GCF Team:

If you had to choose a message for 1 million people, what would it be?

Ms. S

Hard work and discipline is the mantra for good luck.

GCF Team:

Is there anything that you have purchased below 1 grand that has impacted your life?

Ms. S

My plants, I really cherish them. I have a little kitchen garden where I grow betel leaves, coriander, mint, mogras and ajwain.