Everyone of us has immense power for Empowering Communities, Inspiring Change: The Journey of Harini Shetty is a Role Model | Global TV
Harini Shetty is a bold and steadfast advocate for women’s respect, rights and social justice. Her lifelong mission to empower marginalized communities is both inspiring and transformative. From her humble beginnings three decades ago in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, to becoming a recognized voice for sustainable development and good governance, Harini’s journey is a testimony to dedication, impulse reaction, unwavering determination, devotion, and selfless service.
The Spinner Wheel of Life
Life, much like a spinner wheel, often spins with no warning, offering outcomes that we may not expect or desire. Each turn brings a new challenge, a new chapter, and, sometimes, a new beginning. For Harini Shetty, the wheel of life spun in ways that no one could have predicted. From the loss of a fiancé to a marriage marred by hardship, her journey was shaped by both joy and sorrow, distress and courage. But with each turn of the wheel, Harini chose to continue the ride, embracing the uncertainty and ambiguity that came with it. It wasn’t always easy, but she always found a way to spin toward the next chapter of hope.
Her turning point came with love and loss. Before her engagement, her fiancé fell seriously ill with complications related to his pancreas. Despite various treatments and referrals to specialized care, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away within just 60 days of being diagnosed.
The shadow of grief followed Harini until fate introduced her to a new chapter. She married a man, suggested by family, who would later become her husband. However, this marriage brought its own set of challenges. Harini endured ten years of hardship, as her husband struggled with severe alcoholism. Throughout this tumultuous period, Harini persevered as a young mother, emerging stronger with her daughter by her side as a symbol of hope.
These personal losses, heartbreaks, and struggles did not break Harini. Instead, they became the foundation of her strength, and she chose to rise above adversity. Her journey underscores how profound personal challenges can shape and fuel the will to make a difference in the world around you. Her problems had helped her to understand others’ problems and to help them to come out as well.
Transformative Contributions
Harini’s contributions to society are vast and varied. Her extensive work experience with various organizations highlights her dedication to empowering women and marginalized communities:
- India Friend Association (current): Leading initiatives to empower women and promote participatory governance.
- Urban Research Centre-Karnataka (since 2005): Conducting capacity-building programs for women in urban local governments and supporting single women in accessing government schemes.
- Y-Care London (1999-2005): Raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and addressing health concerns among sex workers.
- YMCA (1997-1999): Implementing health awareness campaigns in Shivanagara and Thanirbhavi.
Harini has become a compassionate social worker and an effective champion in resolving issues like gender equality, violence against women, and the welfare of marginalized communities. She has dedicated countless hours to empowering women, facilitating skill-based training, and supporting governance efforts.
Her impact extends far beyond her organizational roles, as she has also held key leadership positions in various initiatives, including the NGO Okkuta and Mangalore Nagara Parisarasaktha Okkuta, where she advocated for environmental and educational causes.
Empowering Leadership and Advocacy
Harini Shetty’s leadership style is deeply participatory. Her approach to training has created safe spaces for open dialogue, allowing marginalized groups to voice their concerns and build stronger communities. Beyond her advocacy, Harini has consistently challenged social norms, fighting for change in a society that often places limitations on women. She has long understood that true empowerment comes from within. She break down barriers to create a just society.
Global Exposure and Expertise
Harini’s work has been shaped by her international experiences. She has participated in global courses on combating violence against women and children in Israel, gender mainstreaming in Brussels, and para-legal training at DEEDS. These experiences have enriched her perspective and further fuelled her dedication to gender equality and social justice.
A Lifelong Learner and Compassionate Mentor
Harini holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling, which have equipped her with the tools to address the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities. Her multilingual abilities in Kannada, English, Hindi, and Tulu have allowed her to connect with diverse groups, enhancing the impact of her work.
A significant part of Harini’s contributions has been in mentoring the next generation of leaders. She has dedicated much of her career to training young women, guiding them toward leadership roles in their communities. Whether mentoring women elected to urban local governments or providing para-legal training, Harini has created a ripple effect of social change, empowering countless individuals to advocate for themselves and others.
Creating a Holistic Approach to Social Welfare
Harini’s work has always been multi-dimensional. She understands that true social change requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not just the immediate needs of individuals but also the root causes of their challenges. Her focus on community health, legal empowerment, and sustainable development has created a framework where marginalized communities are not only surviving but thriving. Her work is a testament to the idea that true change requires addressing all aspects of a person’s life; Emotional, physical, and economic.
Inspiring a Legacy of Change
Harini’s legacy is one of empowerment. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and gender equality has had a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Through her leadership roles and extensive involvement in various organizations, she has played an instrumental role in shifting mind sets and inspiring a new generation of change makers.
Her story stands as a lighthouse showing how one individual’s dedication can spark transformative change in the society around. Harini Shetty continues to inspire others demonstrating that something that can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and a deep belief in the potential of every individual.
Empowering Communities, Inspiring Change
Harini Shetty’s journey shows how personal strength, professional dedication, and compassionate advocacy can create meaningful, lasting change. Her work has touched countless lives, and her influence continues to reverberate through the communities she serves. Harini’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the world, and it stands as a proof to the power of compassion, love, and the will to create a better future for all.
Thankuu for ur super super article.my aunty deserves this.thankuu so much sir.she is really a super women.proud of my aunty always.sir ur article is just mesmerizing thankuuu