Nature has given us a bubble of energy and time, it must be utilized…
Amla Ruia- Ramoji Excellence Awardee Social Worker
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Birthplace: Dalmia Nagar, Bihar
Profession: Founder and Chairperson, Aakar Charitable Trust, Water Conservation Activist, Social worker, educationist and writer.
Known as the “Mother of Water”, Amla Ruia has worked to alleviate the water crisis in many drought-affected villages across the country. She believes that through positive thinking, community participation, and education, major social change is possible. Her journey inspires young people to cultivate sensitivity, leadership, and work for society.
What did you want to be when you were a student? Did you ever imagine your journey would lead to rural development and water conservation?
I come from a humble family in Uttar Pradesh. In my home, a simple life and high ideals were highly valued. My mother always loved social service. There was a time in my life when we were in Dehradun, when the Indo-China War had broken out. Our soldiers, lacking adequate warm clothing, were fighting in the glaciers. My father would send them quilts beyond his means. We would sit at home and knit socks, gloves, caps, and sweaters for them. Seeing all this, I always felt the urge to do something meaningful in life, to contribute something for the country and for the welfare of society.
I’ve always been determined since my student days. I loved nothing more than studying. I believe that my greatest strength is that I’ve always been determined. You’ll see these qualities reflected in everything I’ve accomplished. This has been the foundation of my life.
Anything said by a teacher that continues to inspire you to do better even today?
All my teachers helped me build my confidence. I was hardworking and always engaged in something. I was always ahead of any class activity, whether it was chart-making or any other task, outside of my studies. The encouragement I received from my teachers was invaluable because I never felt like I couldn’t pass a task. I had the confidence that if I had been given the task, it would definitely be done.
Did you ever consider pursuing a traditional career?
No, I never thought I’d have to do any work. I’ve had many hobbies, like gardening, painting, bonsai, pranic healing, and yoga. I’m deeply involved in spirituality. I never considered becoming financially independent. I believe nature has shown me this path, and it has also given me the strength to walk it. It has never allowed even the slightest doubt to enter my mind.
Choosing the path of social service is not easy, how did you overcome the challenges faced at personal, financial and emotional levels?
It’s true that this path is very difficult to follow. But I always had the support of my family. We lived in a very narrow-minded family, and initially, they couldn’t understand what I wanted to do. But I talked to them and explained my objective, then later everyone supported me.
Your work has also had an impact on the education of women and girls in particular. What connection do you see between water conservation and education?
Our work has many benefits, the greatest impact being on women’s lives, as in some places, women spent their entire lives filling water pots. Now, as women take charge of the household, girls are getting an education. These girls’ dreams are so high that they are now flying high to a bright future.
Being a woman, did you ever face any problems and how did you overcome those challenges?
My family initially questioned how I would be able to do it. The villagers never questioned how she would do it, or whether she would do it right. They had complete faith in me. When I set my mind to something, I always found a way, no matter what challenges I faced. My team has been excellent, and this work has been accomplished thanks to that support.
According to you, what should be the education of today that makes the youth not just degree holders but problem solvers?
I believe schools should organize trips like this, where affluent children can meet with underprivileged people, understand their problems, and offer some assistance. Teaching children the lesson of kindness from a young age will give them a chance to reflect on how special they felt when they helped someone that day. If you instill the value of helping them from an early age, they will understand the immense satisfaction even a small gesture can bring.
They got it. If they had used that money to watch a movie or eat at a restaurant, they probably wouldn’t even remember it. I also run a school and try to instill human values in children. I try to teach them to understand people’s suffering. I recently wrote a book for children, in which I’ve added 80 human values through poems, and 40 water-related songs, so that children have the opportunity to perform to a different soundtrack at school functions, without being limited to Bollywood music. I’ve uploaded videos of this on YouTube and included QR codes in the book so that children, parents, and teachers can find it easily.
Parents want a secure career for their children, so how should young people who want to do something for the society maintain a balance?
I believe they will strike a balance themselves, carry out their work smoothly, and do whatever they can for the country. I believe that we have so many crores of countrymen, and if they do even a little work to promote social harmony in the country, together they will be able to contribute greatly to our country’s development. Every person should do only as much as they can. If we believe in the principle of karma, then we must definitely do good deeds.
If you had the chance to give advice to 17-year-old Amala, what would you say?
I would say that you must make your life useful. Nature has given you a bubble of energy and time, so utilize it in a way that benefits your country. Develop and build your country.
CAREER TIPS
- It is important for students to keep learning new things through every possible medium.
- School or college trips are not just a means of travelling but also a great way to understand the things around you.
- Before choosing a career, it is important to know how much interest you have in it.
– Sonia Rana