When two women with a similar vision get together, the dream quickly turns into reality. That’s exactly what happened when I met Padmavati Pamarthy (Prathinidhi of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Telangana State).

I first spoke to Padmavati garu in the month of July, when I was looking for corporate sponsors who could help donate vehicles that could help facilitate a rescue mission without hindrance in association with my Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) project 10-9-8 and many arrows pointed in her direction. The more we spoke, the more I learnt about fundraising, child vulnerability and the different ways in which we could drive positive change.

When I finally met her in person at the Kasturba Gandhi National memorial trust, I was so inspired to meet the women and children at her shelter. They have all emerged stronger from their difficult pasts, and it’s beautiful to see them bloom from the cracks.

So much gratitude for this human who is always a phone call away and a true embodiment of Gandhi Ji’s quote, 'the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.'

Through my project, I aim to strengthen the child protection system in India and spread awareness on how even a young child in distress can reach out for help with a number as simple as 10-9-8. I feel blessed to have met many inspiring people who work day and night to bring about an actual difference in society.