For Usha Venkateshan, retirement did not mean slowing down; it meant finding a different purpose. Originally from Nagpur, Usha spent much of her married life moving from one city to another because of her husband’s career in the defence forces. After retiring as Eastern Division Head of Human Resources at Shapoorji Pallonji in Kolkata, she and her husband returned to their hometown. But the next chapter of her life began unexpectedly during the pandemic, when a domestic worker approached Usha and asked if she could teach her child, who had been sitting at home with little to do. Usha agreed.

 

More children from similar financial backgrounds approached her as word spread, and today, her home turns into an evening classroom for underprivileged children of different age groups. Beyond lessons, she also provides books, notebooks and stationery whenever possible. Her only condition is that the children should be those who cannot afford private tuition or additional support. She believes children who lack resources often also lack something equally important -- individual attention.

 

The effort has already begun showing results. One Class 10 student scored 93 per cent, while three other students also passed with excellent results. For Usha, however, marks are only one part of the story; the larger satisfaction comes from knowing that children who may have otherwise been left behind are receiving an opportunity to move ahead. Perhaps there are many people like Usha -- retired professionals, homemakers or those with time and years of experience behind them -- who may not realise the impact they can create within their own neighbourhoods. Not every contribution to society requires large platforms or institutions. Sometimes, meaningful change begins with a few hours of time, an open door, and the decision to help one child.