#PeopleOfDonatekart: Meet Deepika Mylapilli

“One of my fondest childhood memories was sitting in front of my father’s bike and giving him directions on the roads of Vizag. I would continue giving him directions like ‘turn left, now right’ and he would humour me — take me around the city. Even when I wasn’t sure about the way home, he trusted me. He still does and so does my mother. It is their trust and love that helped me become who I am today.

Growing up, I was the apple of my father’s eye and as I was the youngest, my mother too pampered me a lot. While I enjoyed all the attention, I think my elder brother was a little jealous. He would teasingly call me ‘Gudiya’ — the doll of the house! But we would have lots of fun together as well.

I think the one part of my childhood that shaped me the most was my Ammama, my grandmother. A princess in her own house, my Ammama taught me how to be generous and selfless. I have grown up seeing her give away all her wealth to the needy without even questioning them once. She cared for people with all her heart — it was something so rare to what I saw around me.

She passed away last year and the void has been hard to fill. But I am learning to adjust. I am learning to adjust to a world without my Ammama. I am trying to be that person who puts herself before others’ feelings. I am also, slowly, learning the art of communication and getting better at it.

None of this is simple and having an understanding and empathetic workplace makes it easier for me. Now I know that my sensitivity is a gift to treasure. I know that smiling at a stranger can make someone’s day and I am resolved to not let anyone change myself.”

-Deepika Mylapilli, Business Development Associate