“Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom: A Soul That Serves, A Light That Leads”
Poetess. Cultural Emissary. Philanthropic Force. The nation honours her as a Beacon of Light for her unwavering devotion to humanity.
In a world searching for hope, some souls don’t just speak of change — they become the change. Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom, a poetess, columnist, and social reformer, is one such radiant soul. Her lifelong commitment to uplifting the underprivileged, preserving Indian culture, and lending her voice to critical issues has earned her the prestigious Rashtriya Sammaniya Purashkar, along with the honorable title of “Beacon of Light.”
Promila Devi has long been a cultural ambassador, representing the rich heritage of India at numerous national and international platforms, keeping traditional values alive through her art, words, and presence. Her contribution extends beyond the stage and page—reaching into the very heart of communities in need.
She has also courageously voiced her concern over the ongoing Manipur issue, standing in solidarity with those impacted, advocating for peace, unity, and healing.
Her philanthropic initiatives—whether through education, women empowerment, or trauma healing—are guided by compassion, not recognition. And now, the nation takes a moment to say thank you. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition, celebrating not just her achievements, but her humanity.
Questions for Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom — On Social Work and Inner Calling
- What was the turning point or inspiration in your life that led you to dedicate yourself to social work and philanthropy?
ANSWER: I must say that we all get a lot from the society, I too have achieved a lot in my life from this world I am living in, it is time to give back, there is always something inspires us to do social work and philanthrophy. For me it’s my identity and everything which I got from people and place, and I owe this to the society and the world. What I do is a drop in the ocean but I feel everyone doing a drop makes it an ocean. - As someone who has already achieved so much creatively and professionally, what drives your passion for serving others?
ANSWER: I think serving people sustainably is what we should target. For example, giving a sewing machine to a lady is more sustainable than giving a one meal or paying her bills. If she has a sewing machine she can earn and make herself independent. This can be done in many ways. Helping sustainably is what is needed by everyone of us, in small or minute ways whichever we can. There is so many people in need in the world and needy gives me a spark that we need to do something for the ones who are in need. - Why do you believe social work is essential in today’s world, especially with rising issues like displacement, mental health, and cultural erosion?
ANSWER: Social work is the key to living. Everyone should contribute in litlle or small ways whatever they can. Helping people in need is always a good Karma and it gives back and in multiple times. Issues like displacements, mental health and cultural erosions are all cause of a need. Need for the people to come up and do their share. - How do you balance your roles as a poetess, columnist, and philanthropist—each demanding a different kind of energy and emotion?
ANSWER: Poetess is in my blood and I love to write, so it comes automantically so is about being a Columnist. Philanthrophy is something I lean towards very much in my life as I have got help from strangers in my early life and this teaches me to give back to the society in little or small ways however I can and I am doing it to my best. - What personal values or lessons have shaped your journey in selflessly helping others, even when the world isn’t always kind?
ANSWER: My mother always taught me, and she learned from her father as well that if someone knocks at your door and is hungry and you have only one meal of yours, give it to the person even if you stay hungry for one meal. That’s Karma and she always taught me to do good deeds always. I always in my writings talk about upbringing, the reason is that upbringing and shaping a child in the early years makes him/ her what he/ she is today. So it is my mother who has made me what I am today and I do my deeds of life.
🌍 Questions on Social Work & Individual Responsibility
- What do you feel is the individual’s role in contributing to societal healing and well-being? Can one person make a difference?
ANSWER: I write poetry and what I feel is – if someone who has read my poetry and it gives a smile in his/ her face, my work is done. I have done a deed that makes someone happy and made his/ her day. We all can do in our ways. Feed a poor, teach a kid, sponser a child for his education, help a mother for a small start up, help a father with a small task. It is unlimited, we all can choose our way to do our part in a society and thus a few good men (men – here I mean human) makes a society which I always beieve in. - In a fast-paced world, people often feel they don’t have the time for social causes. How would you encourage them to start, even in small ways?
ANSWER: I must emphasise that time is limited but we still live and do our chores. Prioritising helps, that means we do things first which are important for us. Make this as a priority in your life that once a day or once a week you will help someone in any form or way. For example, there is a girl selling flowers, buy from her and give her little extra on the way to your work. Feed a poor on your way back home. Help someone find the way on your way to your task, it takes nothing. It really takes nothing for you but for that person it’s an immense help. That is how the world functions, you help me and I help you. Do good deeds in life and you will prosper. - What message would you like to give to the youth of India who wish to serve but don’t know where to begin?
ANSWER: Start from home, the lady who comes to work at your home to cook, do some help to her, like teach her kids for free once a week. The guards who tirelessly works at your entrance of a society, help him with one free good meal. Say hi to the guards with a smile, that we all can do. That little smile will make his day. And making someone happy is very easy for us but it is a world to someone. For example – A person who is substance abused lying on a road – just needs a hug from you, and that makes his day. We can selflessly do tiny little ways to serve the people. I request everyone to do their little bits and see how it makes the difference in the world.
Smile and the world will smile with you –
-Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom
