We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Viju Chiluveru a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Viju, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I founded a non-profit organization for Visiting Parent and Seniors in the US in 2008. They all gather to chat interesting topics like healthcare, alternative medicine, hobbies, literature, etc.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In 2001 when my parents visited us here in the US from India, they went through a culture shock. They came from a crowded place with most things available in walking distance to a quiet place with nothing in walking distance. Moreover they could not connect with neighbors or walkers due to accent issue. My dad is highly educated and was used to reading several newspapers and watching news channels. Well, although these two were available he could not, once again, connect with local happening. My mother to suffered with boredom. She was used to talking to neighbors who lived in an earshot.
After watching them go through this challenge, I got the idea of forming a group of Visiting Parent and bring them under one roof at a set frequency. I partnered with a local community organization, convinced them and started the organization – Maitri, for Visiting Parents, Seniors and Everyone. Ever since Maitri meets regularly and entertains several seniors.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After I started the organization, Maitri, I got comments both good and no so good. While many applauded the idea and the format, a few had set their doubts about its continuity.
Because I started this with a specific goal and learn a lot from the Seniors, I never wants to discontinue or give it up. I enjoy every minute of my work for Maitri.
There are no committees, no big decisions to make nor there is any expense to run this organization.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
There is only a single goal. ‘Put a smile on all the Visiting Parents and Seniors’ I come across. Create a platform to play on. Share their wisdom to the youth. Make new friends or find long los friends for that matter. And I relish every moment of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ourMaitri.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ourmaitri
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Suresh Volam & Ravikiran Vaddamanu