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What were the highlights of your week, working undercover?
The week was a real eye-opener for me and I found the whole experience very moving. The people I met had a profound effect on me. The most memorable parts were meeting people who really are trying to make a difference to the lives of those in need. I am humbled by the fact that there are individuals, despite their own commitments, working day and night to help support and encourage others to believe in their abilities and to believe that they can change their lives.
It was fantastic being away from my life and experiencing the lives of others and being part of their community.
It was fantastic when I handed over the cheques, revealing my true identity. We all felt the impact, the tears, joy and the emotion.
On a lighter note I also loved the rock climbing day, It was brilliant as I had never done it before. Digging on the allotment was another great experience that I had never done before, and thoroughly enjoyed.
The other memorable moments were making friends with a spider in my flat, as I had no one to talk too! If I had been at home the spider would have been removed!! Also eating plantain, thinking it was a banana!
What have you taken away from your experience and the people you met on the way?
It was great to find so many selfless people, devoting their time and effort to better other people's lives. It made me feel inadequate and that there is more to life than just making money. This has made me think about my own life and intensified my desire to be an ambassador to try to change people's lives and do my part in helping others to achieve their potential.
Has the Secret Millionaire experience been a reality check and has it changed your perception of society?
Yes it definitely has. It's easy to judge those on benefits and believe that those in greatest need are responsible for their own personal situation. But I recognised that sometimes people are trapped and hugely affected by their environments. Sometimes they have the desire to change their circumstances but need support and help to do it.
I met people with ambition and desire like me that are trying to make a difference in their lives for the better. Barriers out of their control inhibit them from breaking out of the traps that they find themselves in. Sometimes it's just not that easy to get a job or make the positive changes you need. The benefits system is really important for all those people that depend on it and I am saddened by those who abuse it.
What was the biggest surprise that you learned about yourself?
The biggest lesson for me is the personal need I have to feel valued. A big realisation was that I just get taken for granted. The experience really brought this home.
Coming from an Asian background there is a lot of pressure to ensure I fulfill my obligations as a daughter-in-law, wife and mother. I do this tirelessly as taught by my mother, but I sometimes 'feel' that I am still not doing enough.
Running a highly successful business is something I do for me. I know I have to work around my priority obligations and duties as an Asian Woman, which is not always easy.
When I gave the cheques out, the feeling was amazing. People that I had only known for a short length of time really put me on a pedestal and I felt worthy and really valuable.
Another lesson was that I have been missing out on so many simple things that don't cost a lot of money, but would bring me a lot of happiness.
Has your experience changed your attitude to philanthropic work?
I donated to charity from the age of 15 when I first started to earn a wage, but have never done anything on this scale before. I feel so much more passionately about philanthropic work as a result of this experience.
I am a Director at Marthas Oasis now and we are all working hard to get the 'Sisters With Voices Programme' to a national level, so that many more girls can benefit and reach their full potential.
I feel so lucky to have had this experience and this is just the start for me!
Intro | About Kavita | About the programme | Interview
