The Epitome of success :

Shahana receiving the CII Women Exemplar
award from Ms Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi

On 29th April 2007, Shahana made a life time journey to the country’s capital. Never ventured out of her state in her 28 years, the journey she made this year was to receive the Confederation of Indian Industries’ Women Exemplar award from the Chief Minister of Delhi Ms. Sheila Dixit. Sahana was awarded for her tireless work in bringing social transformation by use of Information Technology and implementing e-literacy program in her community. She was awarded a medallion, a citation and a cash award of Rs 1 lakh on 29th April 2008 in a function graced by many prominent dignitaries and change makes of the society.

On receiving the award, Shahana shared the inconceivable support she received from her family members specially her husband in helping her on the way in achieving a national award. She expressed that the work and the recognition helped build trust in her community and also from the inexplicable quarter the ‘Imams- Muslim religious leaders’.

“In the initial stage, when I used to come home late at night, which was unthinkable in a small town like Malappuram, inhabited by people from the religious minority. No one resented openly, but people did feel a little awkward by my late hours. Gradually when they came to know about my work I have been doing, everyone accepted me with open heart”.

Today Shahana feels the dedicated hours she had put into her centre and mobilizing children to undertake Intel Learn Program has been acknowledged by the number of children who comes to her centre and the respect she commands in her community.

The always serene, dignified and protracted persona of Sahana was reflected in her hopes and aspirations. Wants to use the money she has received for her family and future endeavors.

“I want to work for the people of my village” says Shahana.

She has dropped her plan of shifting to the Gulf for better opportunities and wants to continue to work in her small village called Mannardkad.