Meet Dr. M. Saratha, a visionary leader and founder of Seven Rays Foundation. Born in a small village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Saratha’s humble beginnings instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and compassion. Today, based in Hyderabad, she continues to dedicate her life to uplifting marginalized communities, inspired by her unwavering commitment to creating positive change.
What is your definition of success?
Success is not measured by wealth, titles, or recognition. It is measured by the lives we touch. True success is when a child holds a textbook for the first time, when an elderly person sleeps peacefully knowing they are cared for, or when a struggling family finds hope again. Success is not about personal achievement; it’s about collective impact. Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect, and when those ripples turn into waves of change, that is true success.
What role has failure played in your journey to success?
Failure has been my greatest teacher. It has tested my patience, broken my spirit, and made me question everything I believed in. There were moments of doubt—times when I felt like all my efforts were in vain. But failure also built my resilience. It taught me that setbacks are not roadblocks; they are lessons in disguise. Every failure pushed me to fight harder, to think smarter, and to never give up. Today, I look back at those struggles with gratitude because they shaped the person I am and the mission I stand for.
How did you overcome challenges or setbacks along the way?
There were many moments when everything seemed to be falling apart—when funds ran dry, when support was scarce, when exhaustion took over. But in those moments, I reminded myself why I started. I looked into the eyes of the people we were helping, and their hope gave me strength. I leaned on my faith, my team, and the unwavering belief that when you work for a cause bigger than yourself, the universe finds a way. Every time we were on the verge of breaking, a new door opened. Challenges were never the end of the road; they were just bends leading to something greater.
Are there any funny or memorable moments on your journey to success that you can share?
There have been countless moments of joy, but one always makes me smile. We had planned a school supply distribution drive, but on that day, the skies decided to open up. It poured relentlessly. The children were waiting, the supplies were getting drenched, and chaos was everywhere. Then, something magical happened. Instead of panicking, we all just laughed. Volunteers used plastic sheets, their own jackets—anything to protect the books. We were drenched, the children were laughing, and despite everything, we completed the distribution. That day, I learned that when you have a purpose, no storm—literal or metaphorical—can stop you.
What are your thoughts on work/life balance?
For a long time, I believed that dedication meant giving all of myself to the cause, leaving no space for rest. But I learned the hard way that you cannot pour from an empty cup. There were times when exhaustion took a toll on me, when I ignored my own well-being for the sake of others. But I realized that taking care of myself is not selfish—it’s necessary. Now, I take time to recharge, to be with my family, and to encourage my team to do the same. Because a well-rested heart serves better and a strong mind leads better. Balance is not about stepping away from your mission; it’s about sustaining it for the long run.
What are your top five goals for the next five years?
Expand the Saakshar education centers to reach even more underprivileged children and ensure that education becomes a right, not a privilege.
Strengthen healthcare initiatives, particularly in mental health, so that no one suffers in silence.
Build powerful partnerships with other organizations to amplify our impact and reach communities in need faster.
Engage more young people in social service, inspiring them to become the next generation of changemakers.
Shift from relief to long-term solutions—not just feeding the hungry but empowering them to sustain themselves, breaking the cycle of poverty for good.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own journey to success?
Start with passion, but prepare for battle. The road will not be easy. There will be days when you feel invisible, when your efforts seem small, when giving up feels like the only option. But push forward. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and never let the noise of doubt drown your purpose. The world does not change overnight, but every effort counts. Keep going, even when no one is watching, because one day, your persistence will be the light someone else is searching for.
