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| Beena Sebastian, Cultural Academy for Women, Ernakulam |
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Beena
Sebastian chose her area of service based on her qualifications rather
than the business concerns of her husband.
Beena, wife of Sebastian, owner of Keluthara Work Trades, Ernakulam,
would rather prefer the joy of running a rescue and shelter home for women
than be involved in the thick of her husband’s business.
A
degree in counseling had prepared her to listen to the woes of women
subjected to domestic violence. But
one day when someone brought to her house at night, a women intent on
committing suicide, her life took a deeper involvement than counseling.
The women had been branded with a burning pan and had in
desperation, tried to jump from the bridge with her child.
With
the support of her husband, Beena let the woman stay in her house that
night. Next day she took her
to the hospital and dressed the wound.
And till the estranged couple came to terms again, Beena let the
hapless woman stay with her.
Sometime
later, a pregnant woman with domestic problems had to be put up at their
outhouse. It was after she
left that Beena thought of starting an institution for such women.
That
was the beginning of ‘Sakhi’, an institution for women formed under
Cultural Academy for Women, of which Beena is the president.
'Sakhi' lets the women stay there for 3 months, within which time
volunteers of the Cultural Academy will try to bring the couple to an
understanding and reconciliation. Finding
jobs for such women, keeping contact with the family even after the
compromise etc too are done by ‘Sakhi’.
Beena
enjoys the little joys derived from serving others than trying to gain the
same through power and position. “For
helping in business, one can get good employees if reasonable salary and
acceptance are offered. But
to carry out social work a person needs motivation”, she says about her
outlook in life.
Courtesy: P.M., Vanitha, May 15-31,1998
Contributed by: Administrator
