Age, gender, culture, attire you name it and she has ace it all

“Age is no barrier, it’s a limitation you put on your mind.” For some people, these are mere words, but we recently met someone who is a walking example to prove it right. From being a mother who raises her sons to become doctors to completing her post-graduation at the age of 50, she is an active social worker, Gujarat head of the organization Bhartiya Shiksha Mandal, an active member of Akhil Hind Mahila Parishad, volunteer of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, associate member at IMCTF (Surat) and the list goes on. Yes, team HFM got to interact with such a sparkling gem of this Diamond City, Mrs. Urmin H. Desai.

A middle-aged lady entered through a glass door. She wore a beautiful and vibrant Patola saree draped traditionally in the Gujarati style. She had a bright red bindi on her forehead and an innocent smile on her face, which added to her warm and welcoming personality. This was her introduction to us. With contradictions in her achievements and personality, she believes that one should not be limited by age and should stay connected to their roots.

Urmin Desai - A Unique Academic Journey

schooling and soon after, graduated from Karnavati University. And like any other young lady of that time, was married, and came to Surat. “I was only a graduate when I got married, and I always wanted to have my master's degree.” As a married woman with 2 sons and so many responsibilities, she always had her goal in mind. “My responsibilities held me back,” said Mrs Urmin. “When my sons were old enough, and both of them were doctors, and need less of my attention, I once again gave a thought to my decades-old dream.” She then did some research and got enrolled in Ambedkar Open University and completed her Masters Of Arts in Gujarati Literature. During these years, she availed more than 50 certificates in many subjects like certificates in NGO management, food, and nutrition, and is currently pursuing her 2nd master’s degree in Sociology and she even plans to do her PhD soon. She undoubtedly proved that life is limitless.

Urmin Desai - Serving The Society

The thought of giving back

She grew up with a single mother, “we had our struggles and there were people who helped us. Though the times were tough, my mother ensured I complete my graduation.” A wise man has said that the most valuable lessons are learned in childhood and that childhood memory made Mrs. Urmin compassionate and empathetic, and today she grew up with the urge to always be there for the needy.

“I always want to make people feel that there is always someone for them, as I know the heavenly feeling of getting help when you need it the most.” Helping someone makes her the happiest. And she believes that her ‘Dwarika Dheesh’ gives her the strength to always move on in life with these helping hands.

The ways of giving back

She is working mainly to empower women and make them strong in 3 aspects which are Education, Self-defense, and health. She believes education is the most important tool to make a woman empowered. “An educated woman will lead to an educated society.” She belongs to a Maldhari/ Rabari community and women in her native place are not that educated. So she vents to every possible remote area to solve this issue. “Before teaching them to study I actually taught them the significance of education.”

The biggest problem she faced was the mindset that prohibit them to change their life or learn something new after getting married and having children. This was also one of the motivations behind her studying further, “I thought that if I will study I can be an example for them that social or emotional barrier can stop you from gaining education.”

The next big issue was women do not pay attention to themselves regarding their health. And ironically woman has many roles to play at different stage of life, so it is very important for these multitaskers to be physically fit and healthy to perform merely their daily tasks. To promote these thoughts she goes to many talk shows, seminars, and NGOs to spread awareness. Also, she herself is studying food & nutrition to be able to give proper advice to young girls on being good to their bodies.

Our Wonder Woman is also working with the Surat police (She Team) to spread awareness among girls and women about self-defence and protection. She goes to many schools as a speaker to teach them about good and bad touch.

“Healthy and Empowered woman is always needed and is helpful for society.”

While asked how she manages so many of her roles with such precision, we managed to get some really wise bits of advice,

“For being good socially and ace your every role, support from the family is very crucial. Always be there for them and ensure that they are by your side.

Always plan your day beforehand. This will help you to manage every task.

A good and organized tomorrow starts the night before.

Ensure every minute of your whole 24 hours is used wisely.

For a healthy body, eat your staple food and grains & for a healthy mind, meditate 5 minutes before going to bed.”

Cool set of advice indeed, and after all it came from a mother, and we all know Moms are always……..