A few weekends ago I experienced a moment in my life I will never forget. And it was all made possible by a woman named Radha Basu, one who continuously changes and shapes people’s lives seemingly effortlessly. Radha Basu is a Computer Engineering professor at Santa Clara University, and upon meeting her it becomes clear how far from average she truly is. At this point in time I didn’t quite understand the powerful influence Radha had on the world, I later came to learn that she had had a large influence in bringing HP to an international level, including its establishment in Bangalore, India, which now known as the Silicon Valley of India. This particular Saturday, Radha invited us to visit with her and see the work she does in India. Shortly after hopping in the car with her, it became clear to me that behind her beautiful eyes, quiet voice and humble demeanor, this woman had committed her life to changing the world and she had done it – she was a fighter for change. Later in her life, Radha and her husband Dipak (who is equally impressive) decided to leave Silicon Valley and return to Kolkata, Dipak’s home, to bring IT to the more of the developing world. They established a nonprofit organization called Anudip which trains underprivileged and marginalized young women in IT skills. Anudip later led to the inception of iMerit, a for profit counterpart that connects the graduates from Anudip with jobs in the formal IT sector. iMerit began in Metiabruz – an area outside of Kolkata that is predominantly Muslim and traditionally underserved – and this was where Radha was taking us. Coming from the traditional Muslim culture, women were often not allowed to leave their homes or neighborhoods and employing a woman was unheard of. These women had no voice and were largely restricted. Many who had lived just twenty minutes from the bridge that crosses into Kolkata had never stepped food in Kolkata. The incarnation of iMerit shook this community and empowered these young women and the results are astonishing. Today, many women in Metiabruz are employed in iMerit’s branch there, many often earning three times the amount of the their family’s income. I will never forget that first moment as we walked into the iMerit branch in Metiabruz – being a female in Computer Engineering, this was so special. The women were working so hard and fast that they did not even look up, they were absorbed in their work, the work that had changed their life and gave them a voice. I did not hesitate to sit down with some of the girls and talk to them one on one, most if not all are educated from Anudip and speak impeccable English. Their voice is loud and confident, they don’t stumble over their words and they are happy to guide you through a demo of their work and show you what they are doing. They are proud of their work and after talking a bit more, they don’t hesitate to tell you about their dreams. One or two told me they wanted to buy a home for their parents and family,but a will tell you they want to continue working at iMerit.
If there is one thing I’ve learned about India it is that people give back far more than what we in the U.S would give for favors of a similar manner (then again I’m biased because of the humbleness and gratitude I’ve experienced in many other countries that I can’t seem to find in parts of the U.S.).
As I sit in iMerit headquarters now only two weeks after that moment, I am more than proud to say I’m apart of the iMerit and Anudip family. Everyday we are greeted with smiles and surrounded by hard working individuals looking to make their impact on the world. Each one of us dreams of leaving our mark on the world. Here at iMerit headquarters, I am surrounded by those who already have, no matter how small or big, each one has left their mark in Kolkata and it will live on in the growth of iMerit and Anudip.
Featured image taken from: http://globalsocialbenefit.institute/education.html#portfolio