'Those were the days when parents considered that the education of their daughter must come to an end, as soon as she comes of age. Thus I was stopped from going to school when I was in the ninth standard. My convent educated mother felt sorry. But my father did not listen, as he thought our relatives might object. After I got married, however, I continued my studies and completed my MA through correspondence. I was not satisfied with that. I then did my MA in Vaishnavism of the Madras University. I have now submitted my thesis.' The lady who uttered these words is just eighty years old! Continuing the incessant pursuit of knowledge at the ripe age of 80. Sarojini Varadappan is her name. Daughter of erstwhile Chief Minister, late M. Bakthavatchalam and aunt of Jayanthi Natarajan. 

While all the other members of her family have taken to politics, she has dedicated herself to social service and has been associated with the Red Cross Society for more than thirty-five years. She was the recipient of Padmashree award in 1973 for her contribution to the society. She presides over the Red Cross Society. She spoke to us about the activities of the Society and the services she has been rendering. From her interview.

ChennaiOnline (COL): When did the Red Cross Society come to India?

Sarojini Varadappan (SV): A trader by name Henry Dunant came across countless wounded soldiers during his business tours. He was so moved and wanted to help these brave warriors and formed the Red Cross Society.

The Society completed 80 years of its existence in India, last November. It has been functioning right from the days of the British.

COL: Will you please tell us about the aims, purposes and activities of the Society?

SV: The Society is known for its love for fellow human beings. Being humane. Remaining neutral. It has been rendering service in times of war, natural calamities like cyclone, floods, fire etc. Setting up blood banks, propagating family planning programme, help for the handicapped are some of its other activities, to name a few.

We provide training to the physically handicapped male, with hostel facilities. Ladies are trained in computer, printing press, sewing and similar other professions and are enabled to remain self-dependent. Free nursing courses are offered for women who have completed their 10th standard.

We have constructed several buildings in Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, for the fishermen to take refuge in times of cyclone.

There is a free day-hospital run by the Society for those who are below the poverty line. We are grateful to Mr Rathi Rajamannar, who donated Rs.75 lakhs for building this hospital. The Society is performing very well with the help and assistance of service minded persons like Rajamannar.

COL: How many members are there in Tamil Nadu?

SV: There are about 1.5 lakh college students and 4 lakh school students who are our members. There are countless others who extend their service, without being a member.

COL: How are the office bearers elected?

SV: Well, the rules and regulations differ from country to country and from state to state. The President of India heads the Red Cross Society in India. The Governor's wife normally heads the Society at state level. We requested Mr Chenna Reddy's wife, when he was the Governor, to preside over. She felt that it would be better for a person who knows Tamil to preside over the Society in Tamil Nadu. And she asked me to be the President, as I have been associated with the Society for a very long time. The present Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi also wanted me to continue as the President. However, going by the rules strictly, only the Governor's wife is supposed to head the Society at state level. It may happen when the next Governor assumes Office.

COL: What are your views on reservation for women?

SV: It is necessary. I would even say it is a must. This has enabled so many women from the underprivileged classes to become Panchayat Councillors.

COL: But it is said that there is almost always a male behind these women, who steer the affairs from the back seat…

SV: OK. What do most of these men do in Parliament? They simply don't open their mouth. None takes notice of such men. They are however, too ready to point a finger at women and say that they don't function. These women have entered politics only recently. Women are talented; but are not aware of their talents. This is the reason for their being exploited. They will learn soon and will exceed the expectations.

Interviewed by: T. Chandra
Translated by: Hari Krishnan