Shri Sudha, Advocate and BJP Leader receives the Global Pride Award 2021 for achievement in Socio-Political Leadership as Best Inspiring Woman Leader. She has always been the ‘voice of the voiceless’ for women’s and farmers’ rights. Here is a rare opportunity to speak with Shri Sudha.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am SHRISUDHA, born into a family with a rich lineage of ancestors that served as ministers, village heads and learned scholars in erstwhile kingdoms. With roots in Telangana and Andhra, the family is highly educated, well-placed, and widely respected in both Telugu states.
Though I was primarily a student at Jyoti Bala Mandir in Hyderabad, my school education required relocation due to my father’s career in Industrial Relations and Labor Laws—working for industrial companies. I earned an MBA from Maharishi University and graduated with a gold medal in law from Osmania University. After working at TVS Motor Company, I saw the enormous possibilities in business development and entered the field of consulting. That was the era when businesses like Genpact and others ventured into BPO in India. Simultaneously, Indian companies were diversifying their export markets. It was at this period that I covered the most significant length and width of this continent.
As a trailblazer of my generation, I had the luxury and access to a worldwide audience that contributed so much to my professional brand image that several businesses hired me for highly compensated projects. My expertise includes acquisitions and mergers, contract administration, negotiations, infrastructure setup, and man-management in various sectors while collaborating with cross-functional teams across time zones. Within a decade, I established myself as a highly sought-after expert, earning me a spot among India’s top 13 strategic advisers and opening the path for access to power corridors both within and beyond the nation.
At the zenith of my accomplishment, I was asked to address a gathering of 3000 engineering graduates and share my experience as a guest speaker at the famous SASTRA UNIVERSITY!
As an Advocate, I think that I am first and foremost a social engineer. The majority of cases handled were pro gratis. The majority of my time was spent counselling, teaching, and rescuing women and children.
In 2012, I became a full-time member of the BJP! When time allows, I read, sing, and write. As such, a life lover!
What were the challenges that you faced, and how did you overcome them?
At the age of 12, I met with a significant car accident that almost left me unable to move for almost a year. It took a lot of inner work and grit to come back to normal. The farmers in the nearby fields rushed me for emergency help that saved my life. I believe this had a profound impact on the young mind then, which later influenced my decision to join politics and get into public life, fighting for the cause of the common man.
For a woman, excelling in her work and managing a home and two children is the first challenge. And.. as an Advocate and BJP
leader, I have always been the ‘voice of the voiceless’ that involved fighting for the cause of women and farmers’ rights. To go against influential names is no cake-walk and comes with enormous challenges, stress and threats!
What has been your most significant achievement?
Bringing the entire legal, socio-political system to a grinding halt for 24 hours standing by the victim of a domestic abuse case of a highly respected, rich retired chief justice- where not a single other person dared to stand up for the right cause of the suffering woman in question!
How do you come up with new ideas?
Ideas seldom come when you decide or sit down to think. The mind has to be open to the environment around, and always keep understanding the need gaps, how the community can benefit or be helped, interact with people from all walks of life, and want to make a difference or improve lives. That’s when ideas come. Not all ideas succeed, though. But the desire to strive to improve people’s lives and make a difference is the point!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
All people who have made a difference to society with their creativity, competence, and hard work inspire me. My ancestors, parents and gurus, and the rich history of this country had a good impact on me! The marvel of NATURE around, with all its tall trees and deep roots; the touching winds… the sunshine, the flowing water and sailing clouds…the engineering behind flying and nest building of birds; IS MY INSPIRATION!
What motivates you?
Seeing someone happy because of my guidance or action is my greatest motivation. Love and smiles from across the globe, from all walks, is no small win! I’m THE LEADER they look up to, and that motivates me.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I am thankful for each day of my life and rejoice in it. When individuals are showered with love and compassion, I feel they flourish in many areas. My purpose in life is to share joy, optimism, and compassion. Each day delivers something new. Numerous days are spent meeting many persons… Listening to their troubles and providing a shoulder; mentoring and teaching young women; driving around the state, gaining an awareness of public issues; party meetings; dharnas, padayatras, and attending to our karyakarthas; counselling, advisory work, and public speaking. There are more days spent in awe of nature, contemplating, travelling…spiritual sojourns or just loving music. Each day, the constant is to be grateful for the diversity that life has provided and to feel as if I accomplished something meaningful.
Whom do you look toward for advice?
I am open to advise from everyone. However, usually. I look deep inside and seek the voice of my conscience almost every minute of my day! I call it the soul guidance and standing by my truth; it always is my beacon light without an iota of doubt!
How do you define success?
Success is a very relative term. To me, success is a life lived worthily enough to lead and inspire others. When people tell me I m the reason behind their peace and joy, it gives me an immense sense of satisfaction. To precisely touch almost 10lakh lives and be respected and offered a namaste being referred as ‘Amma’ { mother} or madam by every tenth person in this big world; only tells me how far I came! What else could be the definition of success..!?
What are your growth plans for the next 12 months?
Walking my talk; becoming a living embodiment of ‘True Leadership’…touching as many more people as possible…refining the political environment. A leader is defined by their vision…insight…and inclusivity! From this same Indian soil, I wish to address the globe. It is about assuming leadership for the sake of peace and growth. It’s about thriving together, improving one another’s life, and leaving meaningful imprints for the next generation to appreciate.
You can contact her on Insta @shrisudhabjp, FB @Shri sudha and whatsapp @9948277782
