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It was a proud moment for Aparna Hande when she walked along with California Assemblyman Tony Mendoza to receive the California 56 assembly district woman of the year award, in a ceremony held on the floor of the California state assembly, Sacramento, March 26.
Hande, who has a master's degree in health-care administration and has worked in nursing management, was chosen for the honour for her community efforts and her commitment to the promotion of health and wellness through nursing.
Hande, who was awarded the National Association of Indian Nurses of America's Nurse Excellence of the Year Award in 2008, is also co-founder, Indian Nurses Association of Southern California; co-founder, Indo-American Universal Senior Association; and president, Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California.
Herself a victim of domestic abuse, she helps Indian women who face such abuse.
Hande described herself as a nurse and a community worker helping abused Indian women. She has also worked with the Indian army in its peacekeeping missions in Africa, said Hande, who migrated to the United States in 1974.
"I lost my father at a very young age and I had to feed my whole family," recalled Hande about her journey from her native village in Maharashtra.
She said girls in her village were not allowed to go to school after elementary school, but her schoolteacher insisted that her mother continue her schooling.
"My mother wanted me to get married. I wanted to become a doctor -- an impossible dream," Hande said. She moved to Mumbai and stayed with an uncle while studying nursing. "It was the first time I saw electric bulbs in my life."
She later helped her niece and nephew get educated and become a doctor and engineer, respectively.
"Nothing can stop you if you are determined," said Hande, who offers motivational speeches at schools in her district.
"I made myself from scratch; I want to give that dream to the people. I am definitely happy (at being honoured), but not just for the award but for getting our community recognised in America."
Assembly member Mendoza called her 'an inspiration to me. She is a role model for all women in the 56th Assembly District and throughout the state.'
California assemblyman Tony Mendoza, right, escorts Aparna Hande