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‘I am overloaded with both personal and domestic commitments and burdens; I am too busy with my work and family; I have no time even to think about me or my family; I really love to help others but have no idea how to go about it;  What’s the use of wasting our time and energy for others without any monetary benefits; I can’t sacrifice my family life or I am not that rich to help others...’

Quite often, we hear these sorts of statements from people when approached for any social or welfare or humanitarian activities that need to reach out to the people in need.  As we know, in Indian social scenario, majority of people are struggling hard to survive their life.  Still, there are a few exceptional and exemplary humans with golden hearts who touched the hearts of people with selfless service, out of their way.  Here comes the tale of Chameli Karmakar who proved nothing could stop a person if the heart is golden and the willpower is strong.

Chameli Karmakar, a National Award Winning Social Activist and a notable philanthropist and educationist who works towards women and children empowerment has recently been awarded Padma Awards 2020, The legend of India Rashtriya Puraskar 2020 and certified for excellence by Ministry of Women and Child Development on account of International Women’s Day 2020.  Chameli Karmakar is also honoured with Legend Award of India from the Young India Organization and Lakshya Foundation, Adi Sakthi Award, Rashtriya Naari Sakthi Gaurav Award, Beti Bachavo Beti Padavo Award, Best Teacher Award and Best Team Award for Organizing Swach Bharat Abhiyan.

She was born in Jamshedpur, the Steel City of India in 1982 as the elder daughter of Mr. Ram Ghosh and Ms. Monika Ghosh.  She has a younger sister Miss. Leema Ghosh.  Ms. Chameli Karmakar lived in different South Indian and North Indian States before and after her marriage that enabled her to learn and understand various culture and traditions of India.  May be, her vast experience in living at different places at different stages in life enriched her heart and mind to overcome the usual saying ‘frog in the well’. 

Her heart always melted for the helpless and her will to touch the hearts of the helpless took her to a world of hardships and challenges.  She had no resources to personally help the people in need.  She had no support in any other form.  But, her grit, determination, willpower, enthusiasm and compassion pushed her to challenging realities.  Ms. Chameli Karmakar opted to contribute towards Women and Children Empowerment.  She observed closely and minutely the life of underprivileged women and children. 

Her prime motto was imparting education to the underprivileged children and children from slum areas.  The toughest job was to convince the parents who were of the opinion that the boys had to start earning as early as possible and the girls were to get married.  She faced stringent and harsh objections but never gave up.  Her constant and meticulous efforts did wonders.  Chameli Karmakar, thus, started visiting different slums.  She, by somehow, managed study materials for the children with the help of well wishers from her known contacts.  There were many days when she had to visit the slums with her own daughter.  There were no proper buildings or facilities but she taught children on the streets.  Her enthusiasm found no bounds when one boy was selected for the Best Student Award.  She equally played the role of a wife, a mother, a working women as well as a house wife and did appreciable philanthropic activities.

She organized campaigns for various social welfare activities including Go Green.  She, as a yoga expert conducted free Dhyan Yoga and Meditation classes for women and kids.  Without any financial benefits, she voluntarily accepted key portfolios of many NGOs at different States in India and worked sincerely and dedicatedly.  Her pleasing personality helped her work as a model; she worked as a teacher and HR professional and also proudly associated with many reputed Organizations as General Secretary Anti Corruption Group Gurugram, President Private Schools & Children Welfare Associations Gurugram, Women Empowerment Head of Roots NGO, Head of Schoolie Foundation Patna, Coordinator Sports India Association, IEUF Member and also held Director and Head level portfolios of many NGOs spread across India.

On account of Children’s Day 2019, as a part of Mission 2019, organized by an Indian Air Force Veteran and a Solo Adventure Rider from Bengaluru, Muraly TV, Chameli Karmakar had organized charitable events in association with Schoolie Foundation, Patna and ICCHE Charitable Trust, Barrackpore for the children from slum areas and for the disabled children at Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.  Chameli Karmakar received accrued contributions from Muraly TV in cash and kind that helped so many children in need.  She undertook the vast and tough task while taking care of her infant baby.

Chameli Karmakar is a graduate with B.Sc and B.Ed.  She got married with Mr. Santanu Karmakar in 2007 and presently living in Pune with her two daughters, Prisha and Jitisha.  Her family always remained as strong pillars of support in her philanthropic endeavours.

On account of International Women’s Day 2020, Global News Premier wishes Ms. Chameli Karmakar, all the very best for her future endeavours and appreciates wholeheartedly for her humanitarian works.