My mother Sethuramayee Achi personifies determination, persistence, and hard work. She speaks her mother tongue Tamil and another language – that of determination. Patience might not be one of her strong qualities but commitment and love for her children are.

She has only completed primary schooling. But when my father died abruptly and we did not get much support from our relatives, she rose to the occasion and ensured that each one of her children got the education my father had wanted us to have.

She provided leadership when we needed it and taught me that leadership comes from commitment and a passion for high achievement. She is committed to contributing to the family, community, the nation, and humanity. I would not have reached even close to where I am but for her.