Dr.Aarati Bhandare, a dentist by qualification has taken up the social responsibility to speak and create and spread awareness about water conservation ,ill effects of plastic and many more. Aarati who has been almost single handedly championing the cause by addressing students at institutions and people at various social organisations.She speaks to children in a way that they can understand and always says, if one soul can follow what I say it will be a better world for the next generation.
According to Dr. Arati, she found the need of creating awareness on water conservation, when she saw her neighbours struggling for water in the summer and tanker owners fleecing citizens for money. She has also been creating awareness about solid waste management ,by burning the dry leaves,using the ashes to wash vessels ,and to burn plastic to heat water.
She has also earned sobriquets such as Madam Mermaid, Jal Pari, Paniwali Bai etc. for her efforts in bringing this awareness amongst the citizens.
Dr. Aarati says, for all those who think that it was a bed of roses, I would like to add “with thorns”. Waiting outside schools and colleges, to seek permission to enter the school. Sometimes getting mocked at, sometimes answering embarrassing questions such as “what’s your interest “, or how much commission do you get for this job??? Visiting the Board of Directors of schools for special permission, surviving on a cup of cutting chai and biscuits for hours. Waiting for a phone call just to hear the sentence “you can come to the school tomorrow.. “I many times felt like giving up and enjoying life luxuriously. Doing the same old thing everyday, but there was a piece of me which said: “keep going.”
Out of all awards and rewards, at times I get to meet a few mentionable people through the course of my project who add, involve indulge in my activity and make me endorse my decision of not giving up.
She also takes up the sensitive issue, revolves around too many myths, disbelief, taboos-menstruation. She speaks to clear the myths of the young girls about this issue and clearing every doubt that they have about menstruation.
Proclamation
“I serve through words to be useful to others… not to be praised.Words encourage, enlighten, motivate and persuade.Words tell our story, shift our viewpoints and get us into action.Glad to have got an opportunity to deliver”.