Relatively new to the development sector, I visited the CORO for Literacy office in Chembur, curious to understand the incredible work I had read about.  There I met Sujata amidst a group of beautiful people who would teach me more about life in the M Ward of Mumbai than I had ever known till that day.

Sujata Tai as she is fondly addressed by many, laughs like a child, embraces like a friend, and gives her counsel like the senior she is to many like me.  I suspect I am not the only fan she has; such is the love she receives from those who get to know her.

One of those stellar role models who is deeply aware of her own privilege, whether it be her Brahmin identity or her educational qualification, Sujata’s deep sensitivity to the marginalized makes her stand out.  She prefers being called an enabler, not a leader. 

Who am I to lead? The power rests with the people.  They can lead, I can only facilitate. 

Hailing from a family of four daughters, Sujata was in awe of her father, who has played a huge role in laying the foundation for the sense of fairness and justice she embodies.  He always encouraged her to view things positively and follow her instincts.  So much so that he encouraged her to address a gathering of 10,000 citizens during a local agitation, when she was only in seventh grade.  

Everyday young Sujata would come home from school and narrate the day’s events to him.  One of those days, her father drew a straight line on a slate and asked her to make it smaller without changing it.  Sujata gave up in frustration.  He then drew a longer line next to the original one. The first line had become smaller.