Dr. M. Saratha, born in a small village Boothapandy in kanyakumari district tamil nadu , Currently staying in Hyderabad who is deeply humbled to have been part of her incredible journey with Seven Rays Foundation. As from the young age, she was drawn to the idea of helping others. It wasn’t just a calling; it was something that she is meant to. The foundation started with a simple mission: to uplift those who had been overlooked and forgotten by society. Over the years, this mission has become her life’s purpose.She with her team began with small steps, and today, they made a difference in thousands of lives. The road hasn’t always been easy for her and this edition she shares her incredible achievements with Perfect Woman.
What is your definition of success?
Success, to me, is about the lives we touch. It’s not about titles or accolades, but about seeing the joy on a child’s face when they receive a textbook or the gratitude in the eyes of an elderly person when they’re given a meal. Success is measured by the impact we have on others. Every time we help a family, educate a child, or provide relief during a crisis, I feel that we are truly succeeding. Success is a ripple effect, where one act of kindness sparks another. It’s about leaving the world a little better than how we found it.
What role has failure played in your journey to success?
Failure has been a constant companion in my journey, but it’s one that I’ve learned to embrace. There were many moments when I doubted myself, when things didn’t go as planned. I remember the early days when we were struggling to get people to believe in our cause. We faced financial hardships, and sometimes, it felt like our efforts were just a drop in the ocean. But looking back, I realize that those failures were crucial in shaping who I am today. They taught me resilience and how to stand strong even when the world seems to be crumbling around you. Each setback was an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to come back stronger.
How did you overcome challenges or setbacks along the way?
There were many dark days. I remember the times when our resources were exhausted, and we didn’t know how we’d keep going. But I’ve always believed that when your heart is in the right place, the universe helps you. I found strength in the people around me— our incredible volunteers, supporters, and the communities we serve. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself of the faces of the children we were educating, the elderly we were feeding, and the families we were supporting. It was their need that kept me going. And prayer. I prayed a lot. It’s amazing how, in moments of despair, faith and determination can fuel hope.
Are there any funny or memorable moments on your journey to success that you can share?
There have been countless memorable moments, but one in particular stands out. We were organizing a distribution drive for school supplies, and it was pouring rain that day. Our volunteers and I were soaking wet, and everything seemed to be going wrong. But instead of panicking, we all just burst out laughing. We grabbed whatever we could find—plastic sheets, umbrellas—and continued with the distribution. The children were waiting for their supplies, and no amount of rain was going to stop us. It’s funny how, even in the chaos, we found joy in serving. That day, I learned that no matter how difficult the situation, when you have purpose, you also find happiness.
What are your thoughts on work/life balance?
For me, work and life are intertwined. My work with the foundation is not something I leave behind at the end of the day; it’s a part of who I am. However, I have come to realize the importance of taking care of myself so I can continue to serve others. There have been times when I was so consumed by the work that I forgot to rest, and that took a toll on my health. Now, I make it a point to step back occasionally, to recharge, and to spend time with my family. I also encourage my team to do the same because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
What are your top five goals for the next five years?
- Expand the Saakshar education centers so we can reach more children in rural and urban slums.
- Strengthen our healthcare initiatives, especially in mental health, which is a growing concern.
- Build stronger partnerships with other organizations to amplify our impact.
- Increase community engagement by encouraging more young people to volunteer and take up leadership roles in social service.
- Continue providing relief during emergencies, but also focus on long-term sustainable solutions to end poverty.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own journey to success?
My advice would be to start with a heart full of passion and a mind prepared for challenges. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, but that’s when you need to push harder. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. And never forget why you started in the first place. The journey to success is not a straight line, but if you remain committed to your cause, every hurdle you overcome will make the destination even more rewarding.
Any messages for readers?
If you’ve ever felt the urge to make a difference, don’t wait. The world needs more people who care. You don’t have to do something grand to have an impact—small acts of kindness can change lives. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every bit helps. Together, we can build a society where everyone feels valued, cared for, and loved. Let’s create that world, one act of kindness at a time
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