Leoni: Hello friends. I think it will apt to interview Sumathi who is a hardworking member of PTS. Hello Madam Sumathi: Hello. My native is Chrompet. L: What kind of work were your parents doing? what have you studied? and what are your interests? Are you interested in doing creative works? S: I have completed my 12th. I wanted to do teacher job and Nursing job. I was stopped saying not to go to teacher job and not to become Nurse because daily you have to wear white saree. I was not sent for further studies after 12th. Earlier i used to be very lean and my mom said you cannot go and shout in front of everyone. So my mom told me not to go for this. L: Because you were lean, your mom thought my daughter cannot shout in front of students. but now you are a leader in a union and doing the work of 10 teachers. Very happy. Tell us more about your husband and children. S: When i was married we were at my in-laws house. I never used to go out for anything. Even buying vegetables was done by others at home. Even if we ride cycle, people used to say, what kind of girl is she? SHe is riding a bicycle. Even if we put on a handbag, people used to comment. So i was asked to go without carrying a handbag or carry normal bag. From that level, i joined PTS as a member and now grown up as secretary. That itself is a proud thing for me. Many people from that village are coming to meet me, they are asking me to write a petition, people are asking my suggestions, many people are asking how to get marriage benefit etc. I am treated as a leader in village. It makes me happy. I didnt knew all these. I am proud that i have grown up in PTS and i am working among women. L: Your in-laws who restricted you from wearing handbag, did they oppose you when you joined PTS? S: My father in- law appreciated me when i joined PTS. He is the one who allowed me to join PTS. L: the person who opposed holding handbag, why did he allow you to join PTS? S: During those time the vice president was Devi. She explained that we are working for and working among the welfare of women. When I joined PTS, i constructed a house and conducted a house warming ceremony. And PTS presented me a gift. AT that time my father in law came to me and told me that they came till here and gave this gift to you. So never forget PTS and always be a part of PTS. L: I am really happy to hear this. A great change of thought for him. Now we heard about Sumathi, who is one of the heads of PTS. How she changed her life and made it as news and shared it with us. Thank you Sumathi.
