Altruism in Chappaqua: Shobha Vanchiswar Speaks About Experiences

One person really can make a difference in the world. Shobha Vanchiswar is the embodiment of this tenet. On Sunday she spoke at the Chappaqua Library about her life-changing experience.

Vanchiswar had often seen Former President Bill Clinton walking in her neighborhood. One day she summoned up the courage to engage him in conversation. She had been reading about the William J. Clinton Foundation's work and was intrigued. Vanchiswar told the former president that she was departing shortly to visit family in India. Clinton arranged visits during December 2007 for her at several of the sites funded by the foundation.

This trip had a profound effect on Vanchiswar. The images of the HIV-infected children in the orphanages she visited stayed with her. Since she often expresses herself in verse, this was the medium she chose when describing the children.

Vanchiswar related, "The problem seemed insurmountable, the experience left me energized. I had to do something." She compiled the poems into a book entitled The Lucky Ones and sent a copy to Clinton.

Vanchiswar was very impressed that no matter how busy Clinton was traveling around the world, "He still took time to personally write me a note. He offered to sign 250 copies and sell them through his museum in Arkansas."

In her presentation, Vanchiswar raised the level of empathy in the audience by demonstrating how similar in character these children are to those in Chappaqua. When they were given Christmas presents, several had to be reminded by caregivers to say "thank you." Able-bodied children who are carriers of the virus but are not infected, gave performances full of body and soul. "Rowdy rascals," is her appellation for them in one of her poems.

Vanchiswar exhorted the audience to incorporate good work into their lives.

"Within the parameters of our ordinary lives, we can do extraordinary things," she said.

She spoke of volunteerism and the option of forgoing presents at parties in lieu of donations to charities. The Clinton Foundation has many opportunities for volunteers. Only two percent of the donations it receives are used to cover administrative costs.

Vanchiswar is also a celebrity of sorts. Her gardening column at NewCastleNOW has an avid following. In May, she invited fellow gardeners into her green space as part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days annual event.

Her poem, Hope II, is rooted in her passion for gardening:

"Sullied seeds full of verdant hope to grow, to be a full blossom reaching toward the sun."

Attendee Fran Meek was particularly touched by the talk."I find that she is so inspiring. She's done so much for this town."

Library Director Pam Thornton called Vanchiswar an "illustrious speaker." Vanchiswar is also currently serving on the board of the Friends of the Chappaqua Library.

The Lucky Ones is available at the New Castle Historical Society and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. One-hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the AIDS initiative of the Clinton Foundation.

Editor's Note: Shobha Vanchiswar's first name was initially referred to as "Shoba." It has since been changed.