In the spring of 1998, two women’s funds were launched 8,000 miles apart. In Washington, DC, a group of women established Washington Area Women’s Foundation, while in Andhra Pradesh, India, three women founded Nirnaya. Both organizations were started completely independent of one another, but we are deeply connected by our beliefs in the incredible potential of women and girls, our missions to invest in the economic security of women who live in poverty, and our shared emphasis on engaging donors who understand the importance and impact of investing in women and girls.
In observance of International Women’s Day, which is on March 8, we’re sharing a story written by Dr. Supriya Rao that ran in a recent issue of Nirnaya’s newsletter. The names and locations in the story may be unfamiliar, but you will likely recognize many of the themes and emotions. They are universal, and a reminder that everyone has the capacity to be a catalyst for great change.
The Tale of a Tribute
It is uncommon to find an individual that radiates beauty, intelligence, compassion and with a quick sense of humour at the seasoned age of 83. Pramila Nanda is one such person. The eldest of five siblings, Pramila took on the role of looking after her brothers and sisters very early in age. She graduated from the University of Delhi with a degree in Physics, married Mohan Nanda, an officer in the Indian Air Force and spent a few years as a homemaker. In 1958, after the passing of her husband, Pramila decided to begin a career in writing.
Pramila was among the earliest women writers to comment about life and events in the city of Hyderabad. She wrote about the lives of prominent women in the city and her articles featured regularly in magazines like Eve’s weekly and Femina. After working 30 years [in writing, public relations and advertising], Pramila finally retired in 1988, soon after which she lost her parents and more unexpectedly, her younger sister Shyamala.
Eighteen years younger than Pramila, Shyamala was more like a daughter to Pramila and Mohan Nanda. Her sudden illness and death were extremely difficult to deal with for Pramila. But she continued to persevere and look for more positive ways in which she could still experience the strong bond of love she shared with her sister. She stayed in touch with Shyamala’s friend, Indira Jena, founder trustee of Nirnaya. She grew inspired by Nirnaya’s work and was especially touched by Vikasini [School], the free girl child education programme for girl children of Addagutta slum in Secunderabad.
In 2004, Pramila asked if she could start a scholarship scheme for the students of Vikasini School in the memory of her sister. She donated a sum of two lakhs [about $4,500], which along with [other donations was invested in bonds], the interest of which goes to support the scholarship awardee, after she has completed [5th grade] at Vikasini, to study in a well reputed private school…. Currently the Shyamala Pai Memorial Scholarship supports the high school education of Swapna from the Addagutta slum in Secunderabad. Swapna’s dream from age nine was to become a “Collector” and ensure the improvement of slum areas, similar to the one she lives in. Having battled tuberculosis during the past three years and yet performing extremely well in the [10th grade] examinations… she is now in [grade] 11.
[T]he Shyamala Pai Memorial Scholarship is not just a tribute fund; it is the miraculous interspersing of three women’s lives; across class, across three generations and even across the seeming barrier of death. Each of these women has inspired and enhanced the lives of the others, either purposefully or inadvertently. The love, friendship, generosity, courage and determination of these women have culminated in a wonderful philanthropic initiative, indeed a delightful tribute to all of them!